Did the funeral director know this was going to be a social fund funeral and that this poor lad had no money of his own? If they did I'd let them sue him and see what joy they get out of your kindly local District Judge (ours wouldn't be desperately impressed I can tell you, and would probably let him pay it off at 50p a week.)
There are directories of national charities that make grants to individuals in need. Most CABx hold them, though sometimes local organisations may be best. If you can link it to an occupational charity, they have more money than they know what to do with, and the Services charities are pretty good too. Did his mother ever work for a business that has a benevolent society?
Otherwise you could always let the local paper know: it's the sort of story they love.
Good luck
Brigid
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