A former drummer who was known as Andrew 'six-sticks' Morgan has died at his home in Minster, Sheppey.

Now friends are desperately trying to raise £4,500 for his funeral.

Close pal, Charlie Bowry, said: “During the early part of his life Andrew, who was also known to many as Yogi, was an exceptionally skilled drummer.

“He was dubbed ‘six-sticks Morgan’ because of his party trick of using three drumsticks in each hand. He played with many bands and artists.”

But his promising career was cut short in 2005 when a car crash in London left him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

Mr Bowry said: “Despite the tragedy, Yogi stayed positive and continued to support the music industry from his armchair in any way possible.

“Music was his life. It was the only thing which kept him fighting for as long as he did.”

But the accident left him virtually housebound and in very poor financial circumstances.

Mr Bowry added: “Unfortunately, Yogi had no provision or family to finance his final journey.

“As his friends, we simply couldn’t allow him to have a state pauper’s funeral. He deserves better.

“He was a kind and supportive man to many. We would like to repay this.

“We need help to raise enough to give him the respectful send-off he deserves.”

Mr Morgan, 56, died at his home in Heron Drive on Sunday, October 6, from natural causes.

Friends have arranged for his funeral to be held at 1pm this Friday (November 8) at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing.

Mr Bowry said: “We have taken the bold step of booking a horse-drawn hearse. It will leave his home pulled by two black horses.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to boost funds, and so far the collection stands at £1,110.

Donations can also be made at Palliser Platt and Sons in Broadway, Sheerness.

Any surplus cash will go to Jessie’s Fund - a charity which helps children with complex needs or serious illness to communicate through music.

Mr Bowry admitted: “We often took what he said with a pinch of salt but so many musicians have since come forward and said he was one of the best drummers they had ever worked with in the studio.”

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