An online appeal has been set up to pay for the funeral of a kind NHS worker who died from throat cancer.

Father-of-three Chris Hunt, from Maidstone, passed away on December 3 after a two-year battle with the disease.

He was described by friend Peter Green as a "larger than life character, who made friends easily wherever he went."

Mr Green, from Sevenoaks, said: "Chris was such a kind man. He had an elderly aunt that he moved in with and effectively became her carer so that she could continue to live independently.

"He was also so good to me.

"I have serious mental health issues, and Chris never judged me for that, but in the seven years I knew him, he was always a supportive friend."

The two met when they both worked for Magnet Kitchens in Tunbridge Wells.

But for the last three years Mr Hunt, of Cambridge Crescent in Shepway, worked for the South East Coast Ambulance Service, maintaining the ambulance vehicles at the depot in Paddock Wood.

Mr Hunt, who was divorced, leaves three adult children: Ben, Michael and David.

Mr Green, who set up the online appeal, said: "Chris made everybody's life colourful and bright. I could never repay his kindness.

"I'd just like to honour my friend by helping his sons with his funeral costs and giving him a send-off worthy of the man he was.

"I also want to help support his family over Christmas."

You can visit the GoFundMe Appeal here. So far £550 has been raised of the £5,800 target.

A funeral date has not yet been set.

Mr Green added: "I have never met anyone with a kinder heart or bigger spirit.

"I have hundreds of stories about how he made my life better. Please help me ensure that he gets the send-off he deserves."