Friends and family of Connor Parfitt, a 24-year-old man from Blackpool, have raised almost £7,000 in the days after his death at sea. The fundraiser, created to help cover funeral and memorial costs, reached £6,900 of an £8,000 target within four days.
Appeal launched to relieve financial burden on bereaved family
The GoFundMe page was set up on 27 July by family friend Michelle Tobin with the stated aim of allowing the family to focus on grieving rather than funeral expenses. The appeal says it was created with the family's support and permission.
“Just want to express our heartfelt thanks for the donations so far - please continue to share the post so we can give Con the best send off he truly deserves.”
Connor had been living in north Wales for only three weeks after starting a new job at the Haven Caravan Park Hafan Y Môr. He and a companion, Simon Wilson, both drowned while out at sea on inflatable kayaks.
Recovery and timeline
Connor’s body was recovered on a beach at Aberystwyth on 27 July. The incident is being treated as a tragic boating accident; the fundraising page and local reports make clear both men lost their lives in the same incident.
The fundraiser message adds that any remaining monies after funeral costs will be used as directed by the family.
How the local community has responded
The rapid progress of the appeal reflects a wider local response to a sudden loss. The GoFundMe organisers have asked people to share the page if they cannot donate. The page states that every contribution, however small, will be gratefully received.
- Amount raised: £6,900
- Target: £8,000
- Campaign created: 27 July
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Raised so far | £6,900 |
| Target | £8,000 |
Those wishing to support the family are asked to use the GoFundMe page created by Ms Tobin. For those unable to donate, the organisers request that the appeal be shared to widen its reach.
This office will continue to monitor developments and publish further information as it becomes available, including details of any memorial or funeral arrangements once the family confirms them.
