A FUNDRAISER set up in memory of a father and son killed in a ‘hit-and run’ over the weekend has raised over £14,000 in less than 24 hours.
Dean (48) Lowe and his 11-year-old son Charlie were hit by a vehicle as they walked along Rue de Fauvic in the direction of St Clement’s Church on Saturday evening.
The pair were taken to the Emergency Department, but both sadly died from their injuries later that night despite extensive efforts to save them.
Following the suspected hit-and-run, a 28-year-old man – who has not been named – was arrested in St Helier on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and failing to stop and report a collision. He was later released on bail to allow for further investigations to be carried out.
When Mr Lowe and Charlie were named by the States police on Monday, there was an outpouring of tributes celebrating the ‘hero’ dad and his ‘charismatic’ son.
Now, a fundraising page has been set up in memory of the pair, with the aim of ‘having a positive impact in the Island for performing arts’ – one of Mr Lowe and Charlie’s ‘passions in life’.
The Crowfunding page, set up by Craig Le Boutillier, explains that donations will be ‘used to help their family and also to benefit young amateur dramatics and disadvantaged communities in the Island’.
The money raised hopes to give ‘aspiring entertainers, musicians and drama students a chance to shine, allowing for further education and tuition to pursue their hobbies and of course to continue to aid the development of those with learning disabilities’.
The page pays tribute to Mr Lowe as a ‘family man, adoring dad to Charlie, fiancé to Ashleigh and only child of Kay and Ernie’, who were ‘his pride and joy’.
It continues: ‘Dean can only be described as larger than life, a gentle caring man whose fun and laughter would fill the room, leaving a mark on all those that he met. A talented musician, born entertainer with a heart of gold.’
The fundraising page also praises Mr Lowe as Jersey Employment Trust’s ‘greatest ambassador’ who worked ‘tirelessly’ to promote their services as an ‘advocate of inclusion and a community champion’.
Charlie is described as a ‘witty and bright young boy whose potential was endless’ with a ‘wicked sense of humour’.
‘He was understanding, compassionate and kind with a smile that bought joy to all those around.’
It continues: ‘Charlie was not your average 11-year-old boy, he was not driven by toys or the latest clothes, he valued adventure and experiences, making memories with his friends and family. A boy with the biggest heart, he would always be the first to greet you, running towards those he loved with open arms.
‘Charlie was a pupil at St Clement’s School, a talent and passion for performing in amateur dramatics. He exuded confidence, shone on stage and lit up every room he entered.’
Mr Lowe’s fiancé Ashleigh and family said they were ‘most grateful for the messages of condolence and gestures of kindness that they have received from their relatives, friends and the wider community in Jersey’.
Mr Le Boutillier explained: ‘It is their wish to honour Dean and Charlie’s memory by continuing to support their passions in life.’
