An appeal launched to help pay for the funeral and send-off of a popular dad who died from cancer has raised almost £10,000.

Anthony Smith, who was known to his friends as Miffer, lost his battle with the disease two weeks ago, aged 51.

The avid Spurs supporter had been fighting it for three months while being cared for by his long-term partner Liz at their home on the London Road estate in Canterbury.

He was a grandad and had three daughters, Joelle 27, Bess, 22 and Hollie, 17, who were left heartbroken by his death.

Miffer worked as a roofer but had no savings when he died and a JustGiving page was set up by friends to help pay for his funeral and wake, which is expected to be held in the new year.

It was the idea of hairdressing salon owner Kim Heath, from Chartham, and Mike Craddock, who are both former classmates of Miffer from the former Frank Hooker school.

The appeal had a target of £3,000, and has already raised £2,500.

But thousands more has been donated separately, with some funds coming from a memorial football match at the Victoria Rec on Boxing Day.

It was watched by about 100 family members and friends and Mike gave a moving tribute to Miffer.

Writing on the crowdfunding page, daughter Joelle said: “Totally overwhelmed with all of the kind words and messages I’ve received about my dad.

“As we all know dad lived for the moment and nothing was set aside for his funeral. Huge thank you to all of those people, he truly had some amazing friends.”

Kim, who used to run the Gentil Knyght pub, which was Miffer’s local, said: “The response has been amazing but shows although just a regular guy, he was so well liked.”

Mike added: “Miffer was a lovely guy who you couldn’t help but like as soon as you met him.

“He was the funniest of characters and it was definitely a case of once met, never forgotten. You always felt better for being in his company.

“He was a keen footballer in his younger days and played for Brymore FC but was also a massive Tottenham fan.

“But he lived for the day and was not a man of means we launched the appeal so we could give him the proper send-off that he deserves.

“The donations that have been coming in show just how popular he was and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed for their kindness.”

A date has not yet been fixed for his funeral.