FRIENDS and regulars at a St Helier bar have rallied together to help bring home a “well-loved” Islander who died suddenly at Gatwick Airport while returning from a holiday in Portugal.
Keith Thompson – a familiar face at Prince’s Bar in Havre des Pas, where he was described as “family” and “more than just a regular” – passed away earlier this week while waiting for his flight home after a two-week trip to the Algarve.
A fundraising appeal launched by owner Sarah Burns aims to cover the cost of bringing him home and contribute towards funeral expenses.
Since being set up on Wednesday, the JustGiving page has been flooded with donations and tributes describing Mr Thompson as “a kind soul”, “an absolute gentleman” and “a lovely man”.
Ms Burns said the outpouring of support had shown the strength of Jersey’s community spirit.
“Everybody just comes together,” she said. “It blows my mind. It’s so heartfelt and so appreciated.”
Mr Thompson, who had lived in Jersey for more than 50 years and worked as a taxi and coach driver, lost his wife, Jean, last year.
Locals at Prince’s Bar raised a glass to him on Wednesday evening at the time he would usually have arrived for his nightly drink.
“He was well loved”, Ms Burns said. “It is a big, big, big loss.”
At the time of writing, the appeal had raised more than £700 of its £7,500 target.
Donations can be made via the fundraising page on JustGiving.
