Friends of a “kind and gentle giant” who died of his injuries following a single punch outside a town centre pub have come together to raise money in his memory.

Andrew Looseley, also known as Kev, died in hospital after the incident outside the Hare and Hounds in Maidstone.

The father-of-six, from Chatham, died at King’s College Hospital last Wednesday from his injuries after fighting for his life for five days.

The tragedy happened the same day as his best friend had set off from the same pub, in Lower Boxley Road, on a charity cycle ride in aid of the air ambulance.

James Dalton, 24, is a regular pool player at the Hare and Hounds, where Kev was the captain.

After setting off on a 36-mile trip to the White Rock Pavilion in Hastings, sponsored by other regulars at the popular watering hole, he returned to the news that his friend was in hospital in a coma, after being punched to the ground.

Mr Dalton said: “It was a total shock. I rushed straight to the hospital to see him.

“I chose to support the air ambulance because they had tried to help my cousin before she died from a blood clot a while back.

“But now they have tried to help Kev too.”

Mr Looseley was taken to the specialist trauma unit at King’s College Hospital in London.

Mr Dalton, who grew up in Maidstone, but now lives in Gravesend, said: “Kev was such a kind-hearted guy, witty, always cracking jokes.

“It will just be so weird playing pool without him.”

Anyone wishing to support Mr Dalton’s collection for the air ambulance can do so here.

In the days after Mr Looseley’s death, dozens of friends gathered for a vigil outside the pub and to let off a lantern in his memory.

This Sunday, the pub hosted its own charity barbecue event to raise money for King’s College Hospital in London, where Mr Looseley was treated.

Landlord Matthew Bryant said: “There was a lovely turn-out with friends, family and regulars. We were joined by Kev’s mum, Marion.

“Donations are still coming in.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to our chef, Ken Cleggett for his time and all those who came along to pay tribute to our dear lost friend.”

“Thanks also to The Eagle in Brewer Street for also accepting contributions for our Kev.”

Since the incident, John Gibbs, 18, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, has been charged on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Mr Looseley is due to be cremated at Vinters Park Crematorium on Tuesday, September 20, with a wake afterwards at the Hare and Hounds.