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 stands at almost £4,100 this afternoon.

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.

They have given him clothes, taken him out for meals and on a day out to the National Coal Mining Museum, in Wakefield.

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.

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

“We had been friends with him a long time and he was a close friend.

“If he had any problems he would phone us at any time of the day or night.”

Mr Toulson was born in Sheffield and became homeless in the 1990s.

He was attacked on a night out spent five months in hospital recovering, only to return to his flat and find his belongings had been removed.

He came to York from Harrogate and sold the Big Issue outside the Parliament Street entrance to the high street store.

This afternoon 268 people had donated money online towards his funeral.

A description of the account reads: “He was a very familiar friendly face to many people in York.

“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.”

One person donated money online and posted: “Very sad to hear this news.

“I spoke to Peter most weeks, what struck me most about his personality was his humility and despite his circumstances he wanted to know how I was and how I was getting on.”

Another decribed him as "A lovely, lovely man",one as "a gentleman full of wit and charm", and another as a "wonderful, hilariously witty, warm man." One woman said: "So very sad to hear of Pete's death.We were only just looking for him yesterday. We shall miss him so much."

Writing in tribute a couple said: "He deserves a send-off as dignified as he was."

It is not known how Mr Toulson died and a post mortem is being carried out to determine exactly what happened.

The funeral will not go ahead until Mr McGall has received the results.

To make a donation to the funeral, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-mcgall