Tharun Appeal: £13,325 Raised for His Family as British Malayali Community Rallies Together
£5,000 handed over as the first instalment; Tharun’s body arrives in India as family prepares for his final journey
The British Malayali community has come together to support the family of Cheriyan Mathew, fondly known as Tharun, who tragically passed away at the age of 37 in Skegness. The British Malayali Charity Foundation has confirmed that a total of £13,325 will be handed over to his family, following an outpouring of support from readers and well-wishers.
An initial instalment of £5,000 has already been transferred to the family to help with the arrangements for repatriating Tharun’s body to India.
The final amount comprises £10,915 raised through KindLink, £825 received through the bank account and £1,947 in Gift Aid. After deducting the KindLink fee of £382, the net amount available to the family stands at £13,305.
The response to the appeal reflects the compassion and generosity of the British Malayali community, which has rallied around a grieving wife and her two young children during an incredibly difficult time.
Tharun’s body arrives in India
Tharun’s body arrived in India this morning and was received at Kochi airport by his father-in-law, the father of his wife, Jelbi.
The body is expected to reach the family home at 7 am on Friday. Funeral prayers at the house are scheduled for 2 pm, followed by the burial at 3 pm at Mandamaruthi St Thomas Knanaya Cross Church.
A family’s dreams shattered by tragedy
Tharun and his family moved to the UK four years ago in search of a better future. His wife, Jelbi, worked in a care home, while Tharun was employed at a factory. Their lives had recently been filled with renewed happiness following the arrival of their baby girl eight months ago.
However, their hopes and dreams were shattered by an unexpected tragedy.
Tharun was admitted to hospital after experiencing fever and toothache. Blood tests revealed that he had leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with bleeding in his lungs followed by cardiac arrest. He tragically passed away at just 37 years of age.
An engineering graduate, Tharun had been working hard to build a secure future for his family. Jelbi had spent approximately 15 lakh rupees to come to the UK on a care visa after struggling to find suitable employment.
The family had been looking forward to travelling to India for their daughter’s baptism. Instead, they now face the heartbreaking reality of returning home without Tharun.
Tharun was also an active member of the Boston Social Club and was well known within the local Malayali community. His untimely death has left his wife and their two young children facing an uncertain future. For the children, their father’s love, care and guidance will now remain precious memories.
Community support brings hope
In the midst of their grief, the British Malayali Charity Foundation launched an appeal to help the family with the cost of repatriating Tharun’s body and to provide financial support during this devastating period.
The generosity of readers and well-wishers has helped ease some of the immediate financial burden on the family. The foundation expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and stood alongside Jelbi and her children during this painful time.
The successful appeal is a powerful reminder of the kindness and solidarity of the British Malayali community, which has once again come together to support a family facing unimaginable loss.