John White served as a security guard at the Markets

He was known as “Market John” and now those who he helped want to repay his kindness and hard work.

John White lost his battle with cancer in late December after serving as a security guard at Preston Market.

Friends of John’s met on Thursday to discuss how they could help his widow with the funeral costs, after she had given up work to look after him.

Steven Fludder from the group behind an online fundraising page said they are touched by how quickly more than £1,700 has been raised – towards a total of £2,500.

He said: “With no money for Johns partner any other source guaranteed and we explored many avenues I suggested I set up the fundraiser page and raise it that way. We are almost half way with only a day passed.

“I just think its great how we had a meeting on Thursday with a small group of us clutching at straws and really hoping we could help in some way to now everybody is stepping forwards.”

John was well known around the city centre as the friendly face of security at the market and was honoured by Lancashire Police for once saving someone’s life.

He is also have said to have talked a number of people out of jumping from the Market Hall car park.

Before becoming a security guard he was in the Army and served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Fludder continued: “Not many people have done more for the people and community of Preston. His sixteen years serving his country should not go unnoticed either. We need to give him to send off he has earned and show people who do good things are appreciated.”

Supermarket Iceland, based next to the market complex, has been collecting on its tills for John and the Frog and Bucket comedy night is to put on a fundraising event in his memory.

The online fundraising is via a website called Indiegogo and a Facebook page has been set up for people to leave their tributes.

Did you know John? Have you donated? Let us know in the comments below