A SRI LANKAN baby has been named after a Pinehurst man who organised a party for his wake after finding out he had lung cancer.

The late Andy Fitchett inspired hundreds of people around the world after organising a final fling to say farewell to friends.

Sadly, Andy died two weeks before his wake, but the family went ahead with it in his memory and raised at least £5,500.

Andy's father Harry said a woman posted an internet message saying she'd chosen the name for her offspring after hearing of his son's bravery.

Harry said: "It really was a lovely gesture. I feel dumbstruck. I wouldn't have thought and neither would he believe that he'd touch so many hearts - it went so far."

Messages poured in from around the globe for Andy.

"A lot of messages were put on a website. They came from Sri Lanka, Ireland and everywhere - it was unbelievable," Harry said.

He believes so many people were inspired because of Andy's bravery as he faced death.

"It was his courage and his wish to do something with the last few days he had," he said.

Harry said he found all the support a comfort.

Andy, 56, died before his final fling but managed to cram in most of the other things he wanted to do.

"He dipped fast, but he'd achieved 99.9 per cent of what he needed," Harry said.

"It is incredible how far it has gone - it was his way of dealing with things - it gave him a purpose for his last few months."

Andy's party was held at the County Ground's Winners Lounge and the money raised went to Andy's chosen charities, the Prospect Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

He died at the Prospect Hospice on March 4 with his daughters, Carley, 25, and Jodie, 23, by his side.

Andy's father sent a letter to the Adver thanking his son's friends and colleagues who attended the funeral and farewell party.

"We wish to pass on our thanks to all of Andrew's friends and colleagues who attended the funeral last Friday and his final fling on Saturday; there are far too many for us to thank personally," it read.

He said Andy's last wishes were granted.

"His ambition to raise money for his charities has been realised, and I believe that is due to the man he was, who was always cheerful and friendly.

"We, as a family, are extremely proud of the way he handled his illness, and we shall miss him."