Funeral fundraiser for "beloved family man" who died suddenly after leaving his home to help a stranger

A community fundraiser has been started for the funeral of a beloved family man who died suddenly after leaving his house to help a stranger.

Tony Simpson, 69, headed out of his home in Kirkholt during the early hours of 5 September to see if he could aid with an ongoing police incident at a nearby bridge.

Tragically, Tony suffered a heart attack, and despite being resuscitated twice, died peacefully on 8 September after being in a coma for three days.

His daughter-in-law Karis Matthews paid tribute to him and has started a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs as Tony had no life insurance or savings.

She said: “Tony was such a lovely man, he literally made everybody laugh no matter what the situation was. He would do anything for anybody, and he loved his family so so much.

“My child – his eight-month-old grandchild – was so close with Tony, he absolutely adored him. He would help anybody he could, and we just want to do him proud.

“Tony passed away unexpectedly after going to help a young girl who was trying to take her own life. He had a massive heart attack and was found by the fire brigade who used a defibrillator to bring him back to us.

“He was in a coma for three days before passing away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

 

 

Karis added: “Tony was a big family man, who could make anybody in the room laugh. He would do anything for anybody, and he will truly be missed. Tony’s family are understandably struggling at the minute, and worried about covering costs of the funeral.

“Mary, his wife, has mobility issues herself, and Tony always helped her. Tony was loved by so many people.

“All of the funds raised will be used to help cover funeral costs such as for flowers, a coffin, etc. and to hopefully help reduce stress on Mary and her two children.

“Any sort of donation is massively appreciated.”

Donations can be made via GoFundMe:

• https://www.gofundme.com/f/yz833-help-for-funeral-costs