Three siblings are raising money for the funeral of their "hero" dad following his sudden death.

Engineer and Army veteran Donald Liversidge died unexpectedly last Monday at his home in Faversham, aged 66.

Having fallen upon hard times, Mr Liversidge's children were left struggling to afford a fitting send-off for their dad, who they describe as "kind and generous and an amazing father".

The family were evicted from their privately-rented property in Boughton-under-Blean three years ago after Mr Liversidge, an engineer by trade, lost his job.

He and his children were moved into a bed-and-breakfast, before being housed in temporary accommodation in Lower Road, Faversham.

Things had recently been looking up for the family, as Mr Liversidge was due to begin a new job installing subsea cables in Senegal.

"We had a light at the end of the tunnel," said his eldest son Will, 30. "Things were going to get better."

But that all changed when Mr Liversidge died suddenly on February 22, of ischemic heart disease.

Will told how his dad's "whole demeanour and mentality" had suffered during the pandemic, which saw him shielding at home due to pre-existing health conditions.

"He wasn't exercising or leaving the house," he said. "He was getting worse and worse through lockdown."

Mr Liversidge's sons tragically discovered him unresponsive at home last Monday. They phoned 999 and were instructed to begin CPR until paramedics arrived.

"The ambulance service then tried for 45 minutes to bring him back to life," said Will. "They tried so hard."

But sadly, he could not be saved.

Mr Liversidge's death came as a terrible shock to Will, his brother Henry, 25, and sister Amelia, 21.

"My dad was so young," said Will. "He wasn't able to leave use with a funeral plan or life insurance, because of the financial situation we're in. He wasn't expecting to go any time soon."

Mr Liversidge had previously expressed a wish to be cremated, and for his ashes to be scattered at sea.

Will, who works in hospitality and sadly lost his job just before the lockdown, launched a fundraiser to help pay for his dad's funeral.

"It's a horrible thing for me to have to ask for people to help pay for my dad's memory," he said. "It breaks my heart that I can't do it for him."

The fundraiser has already raised £3,000.

But Will says he would love to raise more if possible, so he can make a donation to the ambulance service that worked so hard to save his dad.

Mr Liversidge spent a decade serving in the Army, completing tours in locations such as the Falklands, Ireland, and Africa.

He then spent 30 years project managing the installation of subsea cables and wind farms across the world.

Originally from Rotherham, he grew fond of Boughton while staying there as he helped to install the London Array offshore wind farm in the Thames Estuary, and moved to the area with his children about nine years ago.

Will describes his dad as "a hero to everyone", who was passionate about sport - a Manchester United and a Lincoln City supporter who avid followed cricket and rugby.

"My dad was loved by everyone," he said. "He was inspirational to many and always made you smile no matter how upset you were.

"He was kind and generous and an amazing father to three children.

"He was our world and everything he did was for his kids and loved ones."

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham