Comedian Freddie Starr’s death last week caused an outpouring of tributes from showbiz pals and fans alike.
But his long-term companion feared that the star would face a ‘pauper’s funeral’ after his body was left languishing in a hospital morgue three days after his death.
With no family claiming him, kind-hearted fan, undertaker Michael Fogg, has offered to repatriate his body and hold a ceremony for free.
Read more: Freddie Starr’s cause of death confirmed
The Sun reports that Sheffield-based Michael, 54, will give him a fitting burial.
“I liked him, he made me laugh, he was a funny man,” Michael says.
“I thought ‘there’s no way that this should be and that this family should be in this position’. The main thing is to get Freddie back home.”
“I couldn’t bear the thought of his family being in turmoil at him being over there.”
Now, Michael is set to bring him home.
Read more: Freddie Starr found dead at the age of 76
The madcap comedian moved to Spain after having lost a large chunk of his fortune, and facing allegations of historical sex crimes, which were dismissed.
His long-term companion, Nelly Georgieva, feared that the cost of moving his body to the UK would mean that Freddie would be buried in an unmarked grave in Spain.
But thanks to Michael, that will now not happen.
Michael has a history of helping those in need.
In the past he has offered free funerals to the homeless and children.
After hearing about his generous offer, Freddie’s third wife, Donna, contacted him expressing gratitude.
“She rang up to say that the family are blown away with the offer to sort everything out,” says Michael.
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