Brentford fans clubbing together to give an old friend a decent send off have already raised almost £3k.

As the Chronicle reported earlier this week, stalwart Bees fan Ron Jacobs was set for a pauper's funeral after passing away with no known next of kin.

However, not only are fellow fans digging deep to give him a proper funeral, but have also tracked down some of his long lost family.

Brentford press officer Peter Gilham said: "Since we first received news of the sad passing of Ron Jacobs just over a week ago, Bees fans through pledges alone, and a collection at last night`s Fans Forum, have raised almost £3,000.

"Meanwhile the family that is Brentford Football Club spreads far and wide, and through such contacts we have thankfully been able to trace his sister, with whom contact was lost some 20 years ago. I spoke to Valerie earlier today, and she is totally overwhelmed and supportive of the magnificent efforts so far witnessed in memory of her brother.

"While we still await 'release' from West Middlesex Hospital (which is not expected until near the end of next week), which will then enable us to organise a date for Ron`s ultimate farewell, I am pleased to report that through the Brentford family we have organised both Funeral Directors and a Minister to conduct the service. Once we are in a position to do so we will announce the full details but we hope to be able to conduct the service at Mortlake Crematorium.

"With regard to those who have pledged, should the game go ahead tomorrow (Saturday) and you are in attendance, Derek Hazel will be located in the upstairs Reception in Braemar Road both before and after the game and can take receipt of monies.

"Those who are unable to get to the game, or indeed should the game not go ahead, we would ask that cheques, made payable to Brentford Football Club, should be sent in and addressed to myself marked - Peter Gilham (R.J.), c/o Brentford Football Club, Griffin Park, Braemar Road, Brentford TW8 0NT. Please also write on the back of the cheque – Ron Jacobs.

"Should those who have pledged prefer to pay by debit/credit card, I would ask that they contact me via my email address of peter@brentfordfc.co.uk. I will gladly call them back, should they so wish, at a convenient time and take their details.

"The Receptionists at Brentford Football Club can indeed take receipt of pledges at any time during normal office hours. Unfortunately these are the only methods by which we can take receipt of monies already pledged and for those who may wish to do so in the near future.

"Once again should the game go ahead, volunteer bucket collectors will be located on The Bill Axbey Stand side of the ground, on Ealing Road and also in the forecourt in Braemar Road. There will also be bucket collections within The Hive and also a number of local pubs.

"There are also A4 landscape or portrait posters available should anyone wish to utilise them in their efforts to raise funds. To receive a poster/s, pleasse email me at the address above.

"Thank you all again for your incredible support, which is of no surprise. After all we are all Bees Fans!"