FANS and friends of tragic Feeder drummer Jon Lee, who died in January, have raised more than £4,000 for the Noah's Ark Appeal, his family have revealed today.

The Newport-born rock star was found hanging at his Miami home on January 7 by his Brazilian wife Tatiana Englehart.

Following the tragedy, Mr Lee's family requested all donations be made to the Noah's Ark appeal which is attempting to raise £5 million to build a children's hospital in Wales. Mr Lee's family told the Argus that the total amount raised was £4,167.86 - the largest 'In Memorium' donation received by the charity.

A spokesman for the charity said: "To my knowledge this is the largest 'in memorium' donation received by the charity. Jonathan was obviously a very popular and much loved person." In a letter to Mr Lee's parents, Norman and Pat, the charity's controller Ron Rees wrote: "Jonathan's name shall now be entered into the book of donors which is to be opened at the foyer of the new hospital once it is built.

"Though you yourself shall never forget him, this shall be a lasting testimony to his life for others to see."

Donations were made at a special memorial service held at St Mary's Church on Stow Hill, Newport, where hundreds of mourners, including friends and fans of the band, gathered to pay a moving tribute to Mr Lee.

Following the service, a special tribute gig was organised by members of the Newport music scene and held in Le Pub with all proceeds going to the appeal.

Feeder rose to fame in the late 90s with a string of hit singles, including the top ten smash Buck Rogers and the acclaimed album Echo Park.

The band's remaining members, Chepstow's Grant Nicholas and bass player Taka Hirose have vowed to carry on the band in memory of their late friend. Mr Lee, a former pupil of St Julian's Comprehensive leaves a young son, Cameron. His parents still live in Newport.