Friends of a man who died after being hit by a car have raised almost £3,000 towards the cost of his funeral.

The donations in memory of Alex Denny are in addition to dozens of floral tributes left at Deal Skatepark where he used to enjoy spending time.

Mr Denny, who was in his 20s, died after he was hit by a light blue Ford Focus in Boundary Road at its junction with King Street in Ramsgate, at 3.45am yesterday.

Within hours, hundreds of posts had been shared on social media paying tribute to the ‘ray of sunshine with a heart of gold’.

A gathering at Deal Skatepark was organised for 3pm yesterday.

Those who knew him left colourful gestures of art, flowers and even biscuits, with handwritten messages of love which described Mr Denny as a 'kind and caring soul' who was 'taken too soon'.

Another gathering of more than 20 people was held in Ramsgate in the evening, with flowers, smiley face helium balloons and a graffiti sign of his name left in tribute.

A GoFundMe page towards the cost of Mr Denny's funeral has raised more than £2,900. The original target was £500.

It was set up by Debbie Maslak-Tricker who said his family have been overwhelmed by more than 150 donations and the touching tributes.

She said: "I am overwhelmed, as is his family, with the love and support by each and every one of you have shown. It clearly shows the love we all have for Alex.

"He will be sorely missed as a chatterbox and the constant questions he would ask, asking of the time so when he had to go home to his nan.

"I am sure he will be looking down and smiling."

Mr Denny had attended Walmer Science College and is understood to have lived with his grandmother in Deal before moving to Ramsgate in the last few years.

He was a familiar face around the town and enjoyed spending time at Deal Skatepark and in the town centre.

Chantelle Rowley, a former Deal Regatta Queen, grew up with him.

She told KentOnline: "He was such a lovely forgiving person that a lot of people truly loved and cared for. He really did have a heart of gold."

In a Facebook tribute, she added: "Thank you for all the laughing fits you’ve had me in, always stealing front seat of anyone’s cars. You really will be remembered for absolutely everything."

Other tributes have been left by Kelly Knight, who said: "He was one of a kind in the best possible way and will be missed so much."

Jossie Benson, who placed a teddy on the railing at a park for Mr Denny, said: "You're in my garden, you're in the park, you're the brightest star when it gets dark.

"Your smile can brighten a whole room. Love and will miss you always. It’s not goodbye but see you soon."

Jack Mitchell said: "Rest in peace Alex, one in a million and known by so many.

"Got some good memories with you mate that will make me smile whenever your in my thoughts. Fly high buddy."

A post from Dover District Youth Hub said: "We would like to share their deepest sympathies for the sudden passing of Alex Denny/Taylor.

"A lot of you knew this young man through various stages of his short life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Investigating officers are urging any witnesses of the collision to come forward.

Police also want to view any dashcam footage that shows the vehicle or pedestrian in the moments leading up to the collision.

Anyone with information should call police on 01622 798538 quoting SM/RF/054/20.

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