Bring Michael Home

Hi, I am Carol, mother to Michael and this is his story,

Michael had been missing for 15 months after going on holiday with friends in Spain in April 2023. On bank holiday Monday 26th August 2024, we received the news that Michael had been found by local wild pig hunters in the mountains of Jamaica.

During this 15 months of Michael being missing and no contact with Michael himself, everything was done to alert the authorities through our tireless efforts.

When he was found Michael was very frail, he had lost half his body weight and had been lost in the mountains in Jamaica for over three months. He was taken to hospital and we were overjoyed when he was able to speak to us again on the phone. We had every hope that he would make enough of a recovery to bring him home for treatment. Unfortunately and shockingly, his health rapidly declined even though he was in hospital.

As a family we thought he would regain his health but were surprised when the hospital talked about discharging him even though he hadn't gained any weight, was unable to eat properly and was clearly in pain. The hospital in Jamaica could and should have saved him but tragically he died there alone only nine days after being found.

Michael was a beloved son, brother, Dad and a friend to many. Michael faced many challenges in his life including mental health issues but he was always a free spirit who threw himself into everything he did in life with passion. He loved spending time with his daughter, training his dogs and being on the river working on boats.

Whilst we feel extremely grateful to have had the chance to reconnect with Michael for that short time, the frustration and pain regarding his poor medical treatment and the acceptance that we may never know the full story of the last fifteen months will remain with us indefinitely. The only justice and peace for Michael is to have him brought back home and have him buried here in Kent where he belongs with his family and many friends.

This fundraiser is to help relieve the significant financial costs involved in repatriation, which are a very heavy burden without insurance cover and are in addition to the costs of his funeral.

Any help you are able to give, no matter how big or small will be gratefully received and will help us honour Michael's memory by bringing him home. Thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Carol, Gary, Lee, Curtis and Courtney