One day Kursk man Yury Tatarenkov woke up an internet celebrity. His face appeared on funny images with famous people, and Russians everywhere had a laugh at his expense. But the pranks' creators soon realised Tatarenkov had cerebral palsy, and sought to

It was an unscheduled appearance in a regional TV report four years ago, that quickly grabbed the attention of internet users.

Tatarenkov became a global internet sensation, although he was only known by his anonymous name of Chumazik or Smudgy boy. Internet surfers soon created his very own life story.

His grubby face appears on pictures together with anyone from Pope Benedict XVI to a Russian football team coach. He reportedly died from cirrhosis.

But journalists tracked down the real-life Chumazik.

He turned out to be a resident of Russia's western city of Kursk, and his real name was revealed as Yury Tatarenkov. The 38-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy, which means he has difficultly walking and speaking.

Yury lives with his mother Nina. She says her son knows about his popularity on the Net and doesn't resent the joking. But those behind the fictional Chumazik feel remorse.

“We just thought that guy was drunk. Now I feel my personal responsibility for his case, that's why I decided to gather some money to help him. Many answered my appeal. Including people from the countries I've never heard about. Chumazik is a worldwide celebrity,” says Sergey Tarakanov from photozhaba.ru, which first published collages with Chumazik and the world's celebrities.

Twenty-two-year old photographer Masha from Moscow is just one of thousands taking part in operation “Saving Chumazik!”

“He gave us the opportunity to laugh. He brought lots of happiness to us. The time has come to thank him. He and his mother need money,” says Masha.

And they really do.

“I will buy him a new coat and some pants. The ones he has are too old… We also want to repair our house,” Yury's mother says.

Journalists have brought gifts and food, including some delights he'd never eaten before.

All the attention has touched his mother deeply.

“He's never received any help, no one has given him money neither for New Year, nor for his birthday – never in his life”.