Fundraiser raises £6,500 for funeral of Doncaster man, 21, who died in sleep

Anthony Pidcock died in his sleep earlier this month – at the age of 21.

And one of his best friends, Harry McGuinness, also 21, has thrown himself into organising a fundraising campaign to pay for the funeral of his pal – known to many as Piddy –following his tragic death on August 4.

In just a matter of days, the appeal has already raised nearly £6,700.

Harry said: "We just didn't expect it because we were all at the pub a couple of days before. It's just come completely out of the blue and it's hard to even believe that this is real."

It is not clear at this stage what the cause of death was. He was found at his home in Campsall.

"He was close to everyone," said Harry, who lives in Balby. "He was always happy, never sad and he always made everyone laugh.

"He has friends of all ages. It wasn't just people our age - it was people in their 40s and 50s too and he knew everyone in the local area. Everyone knew his name and in Doncaster he was well known.

"He had one of those personalities where you just knew if he was in a room. He just made everyone so happy. He was bubbly, always joyful and it's just such a shame."

And the response to the funding appeal has helped show how popular he was.

Said Harry: "It's been amazing - we didn't expect it to go this viral.

"I know that funerals can cost a lot of money and his family were really worried about that as they want to give him a good send off so we are just trying to do everything we can to make that happen."

"He was so kind-hearted and an amazing, lovely person."

His funeral is due to take place from noon on August 24 at Campsall Cemetery.

You can donate to the appeal HERE