Public invited to funeral for popular Leeds rough sleeper Lee Jenkinson, say family

The funeral details of rough sleeper Lee Jenkinson, who died in Leeds on December 1, have been announced by his family

Lee aged 43, died at St James Hospital Leeds on December 1. The cause of death was infective endocarditis, effectively an infection in the valves of Lee's heart.

The funeral will take place at Cottingley Crematorium on Friday December 21 at 11.40am and anyone who knew Lee is welcome to attend.

Details of the wake have not yet been organised as the family is looking for a place nearby that is big enough to host everyone.

The family of Lee recently paid tribute to the man and spoke about his battle with drugs.

Lee's sister Donna Manu said: "He was always a lovely lad and always wanted to make us laugh. He did have a hard life even from childhood.

"He never had a good relationship with his dad like he always wanted.

"He became addicted to drugs until he met Nicola (his former partner), then he stopped doing drugs for a long time and got himself clean.

"He always wanted to help anybody. Even when he was on the street he would tell people to be careful with their handbags and things like that."

"He battled and battled to get off the streets.

"He did get a flat, but he got an infection.

"It was an infection in his heart which the doctors weren't able to treat."

She added: "Lee passed away with his sisters and daughter with him. He passed peacefully after a week long weeks battle. Thank you everyone for you lovely comments"

She added: "Although most homeless suffer from some sort of addiction please be mindful that there is a person behind that addiction an all have family who love them very much."

Donna said: "People must think that us as Lee's family didn't care for him to be homeless but please note that we all loved Lee very much an are devastated that his life ended at age of just 43, I know I for one am missing him so much I just wish he would have come home.

"Many times I asked for him to come to me even if it was just for a hot meal a hot bath or shower or just one night in a warm house but Lee was just too proud to take any help.

"I miss Lee with all my heart and promise I will do my best to take care of his dog lady."