RESIDENTS of a close-knit community came out in force to hold a fundraising dog walk around Barrow in memory of a "fun-loving guy with a brilliant sense of humour."

Ormsgill residents were shocked to discover that "friendly giant" Guy Hamilton was killed close to his Meetings View home last weekend and have since rallied together to raise funds for the 35-year-old's funeral. 

Earlier this week, friends and family stopped to pay tribute to Mr Hamilton in a candle-lit vigil, while fundraising buckets and online crowdfunding have also helped to raise hundreds of pounds in his memory. 

Liz Rawlinson, Mr Hamilton's mother, has been overwhelmed by the support her family has received. 

She said: "I'm really grateful to this community for everything they are doing for him. It's fantastic. 

"It's made me realise just how loved and respected he was and that is a real comfort to both me and his dad."

The fundraising efforts have been led by Kim Benson, from the Tally Ho pub in Schneider Road. 

She said: "It's going pretty well. We've reached just over £300 and that's without the dog walk today. 

"Everyone has been really supportive. One customer put in £100 of his own money. Everyone is really keen to help."

Mr Hamilton was a true dog-lover who adored his beloved pet, Freud, so family and friends decided a fundraising dog walk would be a fitting tribute to their absent friend.

People of all ages met in the car park of the pub and paid their £2 before heading out en masse up Cemetery Hill with their dogs. 

Miss Benson said: "He put so much into the community. If he ever saw anyone short of money he would try to help out. I think people are just trying to give back. 

"From what everybody has said, he was just a big, friendly giant."

Eddie Melton, a friend of Mr Hamilton, said: "He would have loved it. He was a fun-loving guy with a brilliant sense of humour.

"He was so kind and generous - just a lovely person which goes without saying. 

"It's such a shame - he will be missed."

Byron Gutkowski, another close friend, added: "He would have loved it. He would be so proud of everyone."

Family friends Rhianne and Jenna Griffiths, also paid tribute to their friend, saying: "How can you describe him? 

"He was one of a kind and full of life."

Read more:

Hundreds of pounds raised so far in bid to fund Guy's funeral

Barrow man appears in court charged with murder as friends pay tribute to "one of Ormsgill's finest"

Community rallies round to pay for Guy's funeral and towards his beloved pet dog Freud