Kevin's family are grieving the sudden loss of a son and brother after the Makarora tramping incident, and need our help to fund his funeral
Auckland
On the 8th of February, Kevin Lee's family received the sudden news of his death while he was tramping in Mt Aspiring National park. He was a 4th year Pharmacy student at Otago University. Kevin was 22, loved the outdoors and used his passion for photography to capture people's special moments. He touched the hearts of many and gave endlessly to his community.
Kevin's family are grieving the loss of a son and brother. What saddens me further is that the family's financial circumstances might prevent them from providing Kevin a dignified burial. Kevin's father is unfit to work due to his health, and his mother works part time while raising Kevin's younger brother. Their family home is Government housing. Growing up, Kevin shared a bunk bed with his younger sister and brother while one of them slept on the floor.
As a tight family, they have always found ways to make ends meet. But with the sudden death, they have no money or assets for Kevin to be buried close to his family. Kevin is currently held at Dunedin Hospital Mortuary. The quotes total $16,500 for the services required to fly Kevin home to Auckland, and bury him in a location accessible to his mum and dad by public transport.
Although we will not be able to match Kevin's perfectionist eye and stubbornly passionate dreams for the ultimate send off he would've preferred, please assist me to ease the financial stress for his family in this difficult time. Help me raise the funds for Kevin to be returned home to his mum and dad, so they have the chance to say goodbye, mourn his loss, celebrate his life, and share precious memories of the incredible young man he was.
Kevin was family to me. I am assisting my partner Helen (Kevin's sister) and her family in arranging his funeral during this difficult time.
Funds donated will be used to pay for Kevin's return home and funeral expenses. All excess will be donated to the New Zealand National Parks and Conservation Foundation. We would love for others to be able to experience the wilderness as Kevin did.
Thank you for your incredible support! 14 February 2020
I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support from all the donors. It is a huge relief for all of us, yourselves included, to know Kevin can be brought home for a dignified burial. We did it!
"There are no words to describe how grateful we are. I'm blown away by all the extraordinary people who contributed, some of which were complete strangers but many that had stories to tell about Kevin. In such a dark time, the strong community support behind us has given us hope that we will find our feet again" - Helen Lee
I will be comprising a booklet filled with all your heartfelt comments so Kevin's parents can keep them forever.
Angus.
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