Help us support the family of Professor Jason Arday with funeral and associated costs at this incredibly difficult time.

We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Professor Jason Arday, aged just 41.

Jason was a pioneering Black British academic, author, educator and advocate whose extraordinary journey inspired people across Britain and internationally. His appointment at the University of Cambridge was historic, and his work brought important attention to race, education, inequality and neurodiversity.

But behind the public figure was a human being: a husband, father, relative, friend and colleague. Those who knew Jason have described him as a gentle soul.

In the period before his death, Jason was subjected to intense public scrutiny following allegations concerning aspects of his academic work and career. Those matters became the subject of significant media and social media attention. Jason disputed allegations made against him, and questions surrounding them had not all been finally determined when he died.

Whatever people's views about those controversies, nothing should take away from Jason's humanity or his family's right to grieve in dignity and privacy.

Jason had spoken openly about being autistic and about the challenges he had overcome throughout his life. His story should remind us that behind every headline, social media post and public controversy is a human being and that vulnerability and wellbeing must never become secondary considerations.

Why I am establishing this fund

I was one of the people who publicly supported Jason during the recent controversy because I was deeply concerned about the nature and intensity of the attacks directed towards him. I was also subject to media scrutiny for signing the letter of support and challenged in supporting Jason.

Following his death, my immediate concern is now for Jason's family.

I am therefore establishing this fund to help contribute towards funeral, memorial and associated family costs and to provide practical support during an unimaginably difficult period.

I have previously helped establish funds to support bereaved families, including the Majonzi Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fundraising to assist with funeral costs for families affected by the Home Office Windrush Scandal.

I have seen first-hand how, at the moment when a family is experiencing profound grief, the financial cost of a funeral and the practical responsibilities surrounding a death can become an additional burden.

This appeal is therefore very simple:

Let us help Jason's family in their hour of need.

Remember the person, not simply the controversy

There will be an appropriate time for wider reflection about what happened to Jason.

There are serious questions for academia, institutions, journalism and all of us who participate in social media about how accountability can be pursued without losing sight of humanity; about the consequences of public shaming; and about whether sufficient care is shown when somebody is known to be vulnerable.

Those conversations must continue.

But today should be about compassion, dignity and solidarity with a grieving family.

Jason's life was bigger than the controversy that surrounded his final weeks.

He challenged assumptions about who could become an academic. He demonstrated the importance of widening participation in higher education. He spoke about autism and neurodiversity. He wrote and taught about race, inequality and education. And his journey inspired many people who had previously felt that institutions such as Cambridge were simply not places for them.

That contribution should also be remembered.

Please support

I ask everyone who knew Jason, was inspired by him, worked alongside him, taught or studied with him, or simply believes that a grieving family deserves our compassion, to contribute whatever you can.

No donation is too small.

If you cannot make a financial contribution, please share this appeal and help us reach others.

Let us come together to support Jason's family.

Let us give them the space and dignity to grieve.

And let us remember and celebrate the life and achievements of Professor Jason Arday a son, husband, father, friend, colleague, educator and gentle soul whose life mattered.

Rest in peace, Jason

Sir Patrick Vernon OBE

All funds will be held by GoFundMe until Jason's family have been added as the beneficiary for the fundraiser.