A TEENAGER has issued a desperate plea for help as he begins raising money to pay for his dad’s funeral.

Last week Scott Birt, 19, received the devastating news that his beloved father - Stonehouse community hero Dave Birt - had died after a heart attack.

Dave died last Monday, July 4 after being in and out of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital over the previous months due to issues with red blood cells and a condition called lupus.

Scott is now trying to raise £1,500 towards funeral costs to give his dad 'the most special send-off that he truly deserves'.

Almost £600 has been raised since the GoFundMe appeal was launched on Thursday.

"My dad was an amazing man,” said Scott, who was bought up by Dave at their home in Festival Road, Stonehouse.

"He brought me up on his own, did the best job he could and always did everything in my best interest - he’s done more for me than anyone could ever do.

"All he ever did was help people in whatever way he could.

"I don't have much money and I'm only young.

"I really need some help.

"I would like to thank everyone who has already donated.

"The money raised will be a massive help and is very much appreciated.”

For decades Dave - who lived in Stonehouse all his life - was an active member of the town football club.

He had many jobs including gardening, labouring, painting and decorating, delivery driving and running a disco.

"He would have everyone on their feet and being as happy as they could possibly be at his discos, no matter what age they were," said Scott.

Stonehouse Town Football Club is supporting the appeal.

"Dave would help out in whatever way you wanted," said chair Nigel Sanders.

"When we had a list of jobs to do he would always put his name down for one and he would do it with a smile on his face.

"Dave travelled home and away for many years for the club.

“He was one of the regular faces and it is going to be strange without him."

Club member Ian Neville shared memories from more than 50 years ago.

"In the late 60s and early 70s, when the club were attracting crowds of 500 plus to all their home games, Dave went to every match, home and away," he said.

"He was always first on the coach, always sat in the back seat and was always one of the first to start singing."

Other members have also been sharing memories.

"He spent his whole life helping to look after the club," said Mike Smith.

"He only missed a handful of games and for many years spent most of his time looking after the ground.

"Dave was a credit to us all and he will never know how much we will miss him."

Meanwhile, member Simon Penny Kibble hailed Dave as being a 'Stonehouse Town FC legend'.

Support Scott's fundraising appeal here