FRIENDS of "one of Brighton's finest", Derrick "The Perv" Furnival say they will always remember the “fabulous times” they spent partying together.

The death of tour manager Derrick on September 6 prompted an outpouring of grief, with many people taking to social media to pay tribute to "one of Brighton's great characters".

Now, his friends and family have set up a Just Giving page to raise money for his funeral.

The Argus: A JustGiving Page has been set up for his funeralA JustGiving Page has been set up for his funeral

Writing on the fundraiser, a friend said: “A very sad time for us all. We have lost our Perv, our Del-boy, our lovely Derrick.

“Instead of sending flowers, and to show our love and support, let’s raise some money for his family so they can honour him in the way he would have liked.

“We hope that your considerate contribution will bring some comfort to his loved ones. Thank you.”

So far, more than £1,500 of the £5,000 target has been raised.

In a tribute on the donation page, one friend wrote: “After 41 years, no more “hello Queenie” followed by a cheeky peck on the cheek.

“Had some fabulous times partying with you and some lovely “normal” dog walks that I’ll miss.

“Give ‘em hell whether you are.”

Another said: “We will miss you Mr D. Such fun times we had.”

During his time as a tour manager, Derrick hosted bands around the world and stage-managed venues and festivals.

Speaking on the day of his death, friend Paul Beard said: "Got some really sad news to pass on. Derrick 'The Perv" Furnival passed away this morning.

"One of Brighton's great characters and much loved and under that hat was a heart of gold. I'll miss him like f***.

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV and friend since the 1980s, said Derrick was "instrumental in setting up everything that happened in clubland on the seafront".

He said: "He has always been at the forefront of every new cultural development that has ever happened in Brighton - although our crowd doesn't call it cultural development.

"Brighton is now known as one of the top clubbing destinations, top places for dance music, he was one of the originals.

"He was an absolute one-off, there is no one like him.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/derrick

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