Mike Thalassitis’ mum and dad are shutting down the Go Fund Me campaign launched to raise funds towards his funeral over concerns that fraudsters will take the money.
Supporters have donated more than £4,800 towards the £25,000 goal since the page was set up on Saturday (March 23rd), following the Love Island star’s death by suicide earlier this month.
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But an update posted on the page last night informed visitors that the fundraising was over.
Thanking everyone for their donations, it read: “I have spoken with Mike’s family and, while they are grateful for all of the support his friends have given, they have asked to close the gofundme at this time.
“Please be assured the money raised to date will go directly to the family, who intend to open a new page controlled by themselves in due course.
“All proceeds will then be consolidated and donated to a mental health charity of their choice.”
It further stated that, while the page was created by Mike’s close friends, the late reality star’s family are “concerned that fraudulent accounts could be activated by strangers using their name”.
It then urged people not to donate to any other fundraising pages until the immediate Thalassitis family give an official statement “within the next week or so”.
The page’s original campaign message told visitors that the Thalassitis family had only just held a funeral for Mike’s nan and were doing “everything possible” to come to terms with her death when Mike was found dead in a park near his childhood home.
His grieving friends and fans rushed to offer messages of condolences on the page.
One wrote: “So heartbroken for the loss of Mike, who was beautiful inside and out. I so wish he knew how loved he was.”
Another commented: “Me and my daughter got to meet Mike at Málaga airport last year, he was such a lovely guy, and we were in total shock when we heard the news of his passing.”
A third said: “I was privileged to know Michael, he was my personal trainer when I had cancer. His strength, kindness and positivity pulled me through. He was the best, everyone’s cup of tea!”
In the weeks leading up to his death, Mike was working hard with his business partner, Scott Neilson, to launch a new restaurant venture called The Skillet.
Over the weekend, Scott confirmed the venue will still open, telling followers on Instagram: “Mike would’ve wanted this. 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.”
Read more: Montana Brown breaks down over final text from Mike Thalassitis
It follows a vigil held for the late star by his heartbroken pals.
On Friday, his grieving friends gathered in the park where he died to light candles and release lanterns in his memory.
If you or anyone you know are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
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