Campaign to raise cash to save war hero who died on Remembrance Sunday from pauper’s funeral
Strangers rally to pay tribute to Major David Sharp who spent two years as a prisoner of war in Korea in the 1950s
A WAR hero who died on Remembrance Sunday faced having a pauper's funeral - until strangers joined a campaign to give him the send-off he deserves.
Major David Sharp BEM was the last Commonwealth prisoner to be released by the Chinese at the end of the Korean War.
He was tortured - and even faced a firing squad - after being captured behind enemy lines as an intelligence officer.
But despite his heroic career, the Sun Online can exclusively reveal that the 88-year-old veteran has been at risk of missing out on the send-off he deserves.
He even remains 300 miles from his home in Ashford, Kent, after dying with no surviving family or a will while attending Remembrance events in St Mawgan, Cornwall.
This inspired friend Emma Barritt to lead a heart-warming campaign calling on others to dig deep and donate.
The charity, which supports armed forces during their lifetime, has just signed a cheque for £5,000 - to bring Mr Sharp home and pay for his funeral.
Strangers have also donated £340 to the JustGiving page.
Mr Falke said: "We were very touched by his story.
"We all thought he deserved better than what he was going to get.
"He has earned a good send-off."
Sadly, Major Sharp is far from the only war hero who has faced being forgotten by his country in death.
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