A BIG Issue seller will be given a fitting send-off after thousands of pounds was raised for his funeral.

Peter Toulson, who regularly sold the magazine outside Marks and Spencer, in Parliament Street, York, died suddenly last week.

A crowdfunding page was set up a short time later by his friends John and Julie McGall, which now stands at almost £4,500.

Strangers, residents and his loyal customers have all donated money for Mr Toulson, 53.

Mr McGall and his wife frequently help the city’s rough sleepers and became friendly with “the gentle giant” a number of years ago when they asked if he needed help.

Mr McGall said: “We didn’t want him to have a pauper’s funeral so we set up the page and it has taken off.

“It’s unbelievable and a pity he didn’t have this money when he was alive."

He added: “Many people will remember Pete, but it’s would have been nice if he was still here so he could appreciate it.

Mr Toulson was born in Sheffield and became homeless in the 1990s after spending months in hospital following an attack during a night out.

Almost 300 people have made donations - through justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-mcgall - easily beating the original target of £3,000.

Comments on the page included: “A gentle giant, always had a smile or friendly banter with both his customers and the general public.

“He was a dignified proud man, who for no fault of his own found himself falling upon hard times.”