FRIENDS and family of a popular nightclub bouncer are to gather to celebrate his life this weekend.

As previously reported, Leon Nortey died at his home in Bedford Place.

Now friends will gather to pay respects to the bouncer who worked at venues across Southampton including Tokyo, Buddha, CoCo Bar and Lounge and Oceana, as well as other clubs along the south coast and in London.

It comes after more than £12,000 was raised towards his funeral costs after hundreds of people gathered at two events to honour the 28-year-old’s life.

The events included Leon Day on Sunday, August 13 at Coco Bar and Lounge, an evening which celebrated his life through a 12-hour tribute.

There was also a FIFA tournament on Sunday, August 6 that saw two teams pitch themselves against each other for 12 hours straight to play the game.

In a joint tribute at Leon Day on Sunday, August 13, Leon’s friends and family said: “The whole community came together to put this event on which reflects the kind of person Leon was.

“He was an example of how people should be every day.

“Generous, thoughtful and had time for everyone.

“Whilst the day was extremely emotional, it was comforting seeing how overwhelmed and grateful his family were on their arrival.

“Having travelled from London, they were astounded at the impact he had had on the city and thoroughly enjoyed hearing all of the memories his friends had created with him.

“We shouldn’t be distraught we should be celebrating his life.

“No one has a bad word to say about him. There was nothing but love for him.

“Nortey’s cheeky smile and protective spirit will greatly be missed as he has left a hole in all our hearts, but will never be forgotten.

“The legacy of Leon will continue through an annual event to keep the spirit of him alive.”

Friends and family of the bouncer will also be gathering to celebrate what would have been his 29th birthday.

Leon’s funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 26 at London Ealing Christian Centre between 10am and 12pm.

His burial will take place at 1pm at Greenford Cemetery, with a reception between 2pm and 8pm at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club.