A man who was destined for a pauper’s funeral will be given a proper send-off after friends rallied to raise the costs.

Keith Sheerad, 63, was found dead at his home in Twydall on December 9 last year. His body remained in the mortuary at Medway hospital while efforts were made to trace his family.

With no relatives to arrange or pay for a funeral, Mr Sheerad was to be given a so-called “pauper’s funeral” by Medway Council, which are paid for by local authorities when families have no money or the deceased has no next of kin.

To limit costs, they involve only a basic service with no flowers or memorial.

But Mr Sheerad’s friends were determined not to let that happen.

Last month, they tried to trace his family through social media.

“He had so many mates that want to say goodbye and he doesn’t deserve a pauper’s funeral” - Deborah Pearman

When this proved fruitless, they appealed for help to pay for a full funeral.

Deborah Pearman, 53, who had known Mr Sheerad since she was 18 and used to drink in the same pub as him, set up a GoFundMe donation site.

She posted online: “Unfortunately none of his family have stepped forward and poor Keith has been in the local mortuary.

“Me and my family want to say a proper goodbye, and so do many people but we are in need of help with funding a proper goodbye for him.

“Please give as little or as much as you can so that people can say a proper goodbye to their friend and neighbour.”

She told KentOnline: “He had so many mates that want to say goodbye and he doesn’t deserve a pauper’s funeral.”

In just five days, the site had raised more than £1,000, which means a proper funeral can now take place.

Susannah Constant donated and posted a message which read: “My husband, Pete, grew up in Twydall and knew Keith well. He was a kind, gentle human being and deserves the dignity of a decent send-off.”

Another donor posted: “Didn’t know him but seen this on Facebook and everyone deserves a good send-off.”

Mr Sheerad’s funeral will be on Monday, March 23, from 12.45pm at Medway Crematorium, Blue Bell Hill, followed by a wake at Twydall Labour Club, Twydall Lane, Gillingham.