THE chapel at Bournemouth Crematorium was packed on Friday as more than 100 people came to pay their respects to homeless man Kevin Fillsell.

Mr Fillsell, known locally as Kev, was discovered dead at Bournemouth’s Braidley Road car park last month. His death was not treated as suspicious.

Mourners at the funeral included individuals from Bournemouth’s homeless community, through to professionals who felt moved to a ensure Kevin had a decent send off.

One of the pallbearers was Adam, a father-of-four who had struck up a friendship with Kevin over the years.

Adam, who did not want to give his surname, also spoke at the funeral.

He explained how he’d see Kevin sitting on a wall as he drove to work each morning. One day he decided to pull over and talk.

“Kevin was a dignified old man, he never asked for anything from me,” he said. “Whenever I asked if he wanted some money he would just say ‘money is good.’

“I continued to see him for nearly two years, often sitting on the wall with him for 10 minutes or so. One morning I saw him struggling up the hill, so I offered him a lift - he was so grateful.

“That became our routine, I would stop, we would talk for 10 minutes sat on the wall, then I’d take him up the hill in my car.

“I’m glad I met Kev, I’m glad I pulled over that day. I hope I made a big difference in his life and have inspired others to do the same.

“He touched many lives without asking for anything in return.

“I will miss you Kev, rest in peace my friend.”

Claire Matthews, founder of local charity Hope for Food, which runs three soup kitchens in the town, helped organise the 65-year-old’s funeral.

The charity has also set up an online funding page to help cover costs, or funds can be paid to Eden funeral directors of Ringwood.

Claire told the Daily Echo: “At the end of the day everyone deserves a dignified funeral, nobody deserves a pauper's funeral.

“Why can’t people be there for everybody?

“We have to all stick together and help get these guys off the streets.”

Kevin’s death put the plight of Bournemouth’s homeless under the national spotlight, sparking debate about how local authorities are dealing with the rough sleeper issue.

He was well-known to both homeless organisations and services, and to other people living in Bournemouth.

Staff at Patisserie Valerie in Post Office Road even invited him to their Christmas party.

In the aftermath of the tragedy Bournemouth council moved to quash rumours they had removed Kevin’s sleeping bag in the days leading up to his death.

Speaking soon after Kevin’s body was discovered, councillor Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are very saddened to hear of the death of this gentleman.

“To be clear, we can confirm that the council did not remove his bedding and belongings and we have been attempting to engage with him for the last 10 years.”