A BRIGHTON man who starred in a BBC Louis Theroux has raised £7,000 to fund ‘life saving’ rehab after alcohol relapse.

Joe Walker, who lives in Brighton, starred in Louis Theroux’s 2016 documentary Drinking to Oblivion.

Earlier this week, the 35-year-old alcoholic launched a GoFundMe to raise money so that he can get the "life saving" treatment he needs after he relapsed and could not afford treatment.

In a post on the fundraising site, he wrote that he was “struggling” and that he hoped people would contribute to his detox before he dies.

The former medical researcher has now raised the £7,000 he needs to receive rebab treatment.

The Argus: Joe Walker Louis Theroux documentary star raises £7k for ‘life-saving’ rehab after relapse.Joe Walker Louis Theroux documentary star raises £7k for ‘life-saving’ rehab after relapse.

In a tweet, Mr Walker wrote: “I’ve met my target. Thank you, thank you, thank you. All the love, Joe.”

The documentary star said that the money will be used pay for treatment at Cassiobury Court, a rehabilitation centre in Watford.

The rehab provides “abstinence-based treatment”, aimed at removing alcohol from the body.

Mr Walker alleges that he has been trolled online and received messages accusing his fundraiser of being a “hoax.”

The Argus: Source: BBC. Louis Theroux supporter the fundraiser.Source: BBC. Louis Theroux supporter the fundraiser.

He wrote on Twitter: “I’ve been accused of being a hoax. Had an assessment with Cassiobury Court near Watford today. I’m so close to getting in.

“Yeah, my fault I’m broke. But I’d never take money disingenuously.”

In spite of the criticism, the fundraiser gained support across social media, and received an extra boost when BBC documentary maker, Louis Theroux, lent his support to Mr Walker’s appeal.

Mr Theroux wrote: “Joe Walker from my doc about alcohol abuse has been in a bad way for a number of weeks but is now set on rehab. Any support is appreciated.”

In a tweet, Mr Walker thanked the TV personality and those who have donated for their support.

“My gosh thank you so much. Please keep sharing and all my love to you. I’ll post a video shortly but woken up with optimism after my rejection yesterday.

“Thank you to a great guy that is Louis Theroux for helping to spread the word. All love Joe.”

At the end of Louis Theroux’s documentary, Joe had moved in with his father in Brighton and was trying to “rebuild” his life.