FRIENDS and family gathered to remember roofer Paul Kempster-Butler and raise more then £2,100 for his six children.

Mr Kempster-Butler, 45, of Puffin Place, Shoebury, died on December 2 when he fell from the roof of a property he was working at in Leigh Hill, Leigh.

Dozens of friends and colleagues turned out for the fundraising night at the Captain Mannering pub in aid of wife, Tina, 41, and the couple’s children. The event was organised by friends Phil Lee and Gary Champion.

Mr Lee, 47, from Southend, said: “We first met Paul back in 1991 when we were doormen at various pubs down on the seafront. He was a great bloke and really funny.

“He was so popular and this has been shown by the amount of people who have been giving donations for his family.

“We’ve had wads of cash handed to us and gifts for the raffle. In all we raised more than £2,100, all of which will go to support his family.”

Mr Champion, 48, from Southend, said: “We wanted to do it to help the family get by.

“Paul had let his life insurance lapse so they are getting no money and will be struggling.

“So we rallied people together and people are willing to put their hands in their pockets because Paul was a great bloke.”

Mr Kempster-Butler lived for his wife and children Darren, 21, Rebecca, 20, Luke, 17, Joshua, 16, Naomi, 15, and Paige, 13.

He also leaves three sisters and 11 nieces and nephews.

His twin, Ann Wickett, from Westcliff, said: “Everyone has been so kind and generous.”

The family have asked to thank everyone for their support, particularly Dave Lewis, Mr Kempster-Butler’s best friend, who as an undertaker will be burying his childhood friend and best man.

The funeral will be at Southend Crematorium on Thursday, December 18, at 2pm.