Friends of Mike Thalassitis are hoping to raise £25,000 towards his funeral.
A campaign set up on GoFundMe has raised more than £3,400 towards the five-figure goal, following the Love Island star’s tragic death last week.
Mike, 26, was found hanged in parkland near his home in north London.
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Now, his grieving pals want to make sure his heartbroken family don’t have to “face anything alone”.
The description on GoFundMe reads: “Mike Thalassitis was a beloved son, brother, friend and good man to many people.
“As everybody is aware we all lost a brilliant person on March 16th. I’m sure that everyone here and all those that were fortunate enough to know Mike wishes that they had done or said something that could have changed this outcome and have helped him in so that this terrible tragedy did not befall Mike and everybody that cared for him.
“Mike’s family are hard working people experiencing a time of intense pain and suffering. Accordingly we are asking for all of your help so that they do not have to face anything alone.”
It further states that all donations raised will help cover funeral costs, with the rest to be given to a mental health charity chosen by his mum and dad.
Mike was reportedly struggling to come to terms with the loss of his nan in the days leading up to his death.
The two were pictured together at Christmas looking happy alongside other members of the family, in a post shared on Mike’s brother Nick’s Instagram.
Before he died, Mike was working hard on a new restaurant venture in Essex with his business partner, Scott Neilson.
Scott confirmed on Instagram that the venue will still open after a “tough week”.
A statement posted on the restaurant’s Instagram page read: “Just to address all the speculation. I would like to make it clear that we will be opening The Skillet when it is ready, it has been a tough week trying to continue to sort things out.
“However, Mike would’ve wanted this cafe to open, he spent every day for the past couple of months working hard to make this place a success so we are pulling together to get this ready for everyone and especially for Mike.”
On Friday, Mike’s friends held an emotional vigil at the place where he died, lighting candles and releasing lanterns in his memory.
For @MikeThalassitis ⚘ pic.twitter.com/ohwBdJL2Vs
— m¡©h€ll€ w€ßß (@shellgirlxx) March 21, 2019
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One of those gathered, Michelle, shared pictures and video clips on Twitter and wrote: “Goodnight @MikeThalassitis Catch those lanterns in the sky.”
Shortly after Mike was found, a Met spokesperson confirmed: “Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 09:28hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.
“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.”
If you or anyone you know are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
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