I'm setting up this fundraiser for one of my best friends, Adam Moravec, and his family, who are facing an unimaginable loss.

Adam's dad, Vladimir Moravec, unexpectedly passed away in London while visiting his family to celebrate a very special milestone: 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife.

They had travelled from Slovakia to spend this precious time with their children and grandchildren. No one thought Vladimir wasn't well enough to travel. There was no warning that this family celebration would turn into such a devastating tragedy.

Vladimir suffered a sudden, catastrophic aortic rupture that nobody expected.

Now, while the family is trying to process the shock and grief of losing a husband, father and grandfather so suddenly, they are also facing the enormous practical and financial burden of bringing Vladimir home to Slovakia.

The cost of transporting Vladimir back to Slovakia alone is expected to be around £10,000.

I'm setting our fundraising goal at £11,000 to cover the repatriation costs, fundraising/payment fees and provide a small amount of breathing room for any unavoidable additional funeral or transportation-related expenses that arise.

Why I'm asking for your help

I've known Adam since January 1st, 2013, when we happened to meet in the queue outside a nightclub in London. We were both in our twenties, and somehow that random encounter turned into a friendship that has lasted for more than 13 years.

Since then, we've grown up together, built our own families and moved through many different chapters of life. Even though I no longer live in London, our friendship has remained strong. We visit each other when we can, celebrate birthdays together, and our families have become part of each other's lives.

Adam has lived in London for around 20 years. He and his partner are raising their three-year-old son, while both working regular jobs and building a life together. They are two of the kindest, most loving, joyful and generous people I know.

I know they would never ask others for this kind of help themselves, which is why I'm asking on their behalf.

About Vladimir

Vladimir was a wonderfully funny and kind man, and a creative person throughout his life.

He was an artist who painted beautiful pictures and loved music, playing instruments including the guitar. That love of music was passed down to Adam, who has been mixing electronic music for many years.

I never had the chance to know Vladimir as well as I would have liked, but having met him a couple of times and seeing the person Adam is, it is clear that much of that creativity, warmth and love for life lives on in his son.

Right now, Adam, his mum and their family should be able to focus on each other and on saying goodbye to Vladimir - not on trying to figure out how they can find £10,000 to bring him home.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help. If you can't donate, simply sharing this fundraiser with your friends or family is just as valuable and would mean a whole lot to all of us!

Thank you for helping us bring Vladimir home to Slovakia and for giving his family one less thing to carry during an incredibly painful time.

With love and gratitude,

Lucia