In memory of Gabriel: Help get him back home

About Gabriel:

Gabriel was a truly remarkable individual who touched the hearts of everyone he met during his brief but impactful time in England. From Nigeria, he came over in September this year to study Computer Science at University of Plymouth. Despite facing the hardships of losing both of his parents at a young age, Gabriel was determined to create a better life for himself and his siblings. His relentless work ethic and boundless intelligence earned him a post-graduate scholarship in the United States upon completing his undergraduate degree.

A Bright Spirit:

Kind, caring, and incredibly hardworking, Gabriel's dreams and aspirations were a testament to his resilient and driven spirit. He loved football, hot chocolate, and showcasing his Nigerian heritage through dance on TikTok. His enthusiastic and humorous embrace of every new experience, despite being a "fish out of water" in England, enriched the lives of us around him and was a joy to watch and be able to re-experience the world through his curious and ever-amazed eyes. Gabriel's smile radiated joy and comfort, and he had a unique gift for connecting with people. In just a month, he formed deep bonds with those he lived with, becoming the glue that brought us together.

A Gruelling Journey:

Gabriel's determination to provide a better life for his family drove him to work tirelessly to cover his tuition fees since he had no access to government funding or student loans, something we so often take for granted. His daily schedule was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family, attending university from 9 am to 5 pm, working a delivery job from 6 pm to midnight, and taking on additional jobs throughout the night. Despite his exhaustion, Gabriel always found time for friends and family, making them laugh, dance, and he cherished every moment with them.

The Tragic Loss:

On Saturday, October 14th, Gabriel sadly passed away in his sleep. The exact cause remains uncertain as we await the post-mortem diagnosis. It is suspected that his exhaustion may have triggered an underlying genetic disorder that his parents might have had, as he was otherwise a healthy and responsible individual.

The Importance of the Fundraiser:

Currently, without this fundraiser, he is to be buried in an unfamiliar place, where he didn't grow up, by people that have only known him six weeks, away from his family, his country and his customs.

We are launching this fundraiser to help reunite Gabriel back to his family during this devastating time. Losing someone close is challenging enough, especially when they are young and filled with dreams. His family shouldn’t have to be worrying about whether or not they can afford to be united with their loved one or not, let alone feeling no choice but to have to make plans in case they can’t. None of his family members have ever set foot in England, so it is only right that they have the opportunity to say their goodbyes in his birthplace, where he would be surrounded by loved ones and can be buried in accordance with the customs that honour his heritage and culture.

Your Support:

My name is Jake, I am representing the houseshare where Gabriel lived. We are seven devastated students with limited financial resources, trying to do right by our friend who was taken from this world too soon. Our fundraising goal covers the minimum cost of preparing and transporting Gabriel's body back to his hometown in Nigeria. Any surplus funds will be provided to his family, offering some financial comfort during this challenging time.

A Heartwarming Memory:

One memorable moment with Gabriel was when he first experienced the cold English weather. In September, while I was in shorts and a t-shirt, he sat by his heater in a massive puffer coat, sipping his favourite hot drink, Horlicks, and asking how I am not so cold. Little did he know, this was still considered our summer, and that the colder months were yet to come. When I told him he couldn’t stop laughing, he thought I was just messing with him, but I will never forget his face when it dawned on him that I wasn't joking at all. It will forever remain etched in my memory, a mixture of pure surprise, fear and astonished wonderment. But the prospect of experiencing snow for the first time brought him some comfort. Sadly that was never meant to be.

In Honor of Gabriel:

Gabriel was a one of a kind individual, inherently selfless, caring, and filled with a zest for life many of us sadly lose touch with in adulthood. He aimed to carve a new path for his family, who had already endured so much loss. While we cannot provide them the future he dreamed of for them, we can at least work to bring him back to his family, so they can honour his life as he truly deserves.

Your support will make a difference. Every contribution, large or small, monetary or promotive, helps us in our mission to reunite Gabriel with his family and honour his memory and what he meant to us. Thank you all for being part of this journey.

If his story has touched you, please share this post to as many people as you can.