Chris Marriott: £30,000 raised in "outpouring of love" for family of Sheffield man killed while giving first aid
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A fundraiser set up by people who knew and worked with Chris Marriott has raised £30,000 through over 1,100 donations since it was set up on Friday (December 29).
Chris was tragically killed after being hit by a car on College Street in Burngreave on Wednesday (December 27), where he was walking with his wife and two sons when he went to assist an unconscious woman.
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Hide AdPolice were on their way at the time of the incident, responding to reports of violence and disorder following a reported wedding which took place earlier in the day.
Generous donations from people who knew Chris and strangers alike total £30,000 this afternoon (December 31), surpassing the modest £5,000 target sixfold.
Chris' family said: "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support being shown for Chris, and appreciate every comment and donation.
"Chris would be amazed (and no doubt embarrassed) at the attention his actions have generated, but would also loved to have seen how friends, neighbours and complete strangers have come together to show support for his family and help financially.
"Thank you so much.’
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Hide AdThe fundraiser has been organised by Heather Keates, founder of Community Money Advice, and Andrew Dancy, who works in IT support at the charity, which works to help people overcome financial struggles.
On the GoFundMe page, they write: “What can we say but how heartbroken we are at the loss of our Chris.
“A man who loved people. His kindness, work ethic, generosity and willingness to walk people through the intricacies of setting up IT were part and parcel of what made him who he was and therefore much loved and irreplaceable.
Chris’ family said he devoted “much of his life” to helping others, not only through his work at CMA, but also at Sheffield College, Jubilee Foodbank and Debt Advice, Voluntary Action Sheffield, and as a trustee of Manor and Castle After School and Kids Klubs.
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Hide AdHeather and Andrew continue: “He died whilst administering first aid to a stranger putting their needs before his own safety, and as the news outlets are saying 'a true good samaritan’.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and their two boys at this so so difficult time and we would like to remove any financial concerns they may have."
All money raised through the fundraiser will be passed in their entirety to Chris' family.
In a tribute released through South Yorkshire Police this week, Chris’ family said: “Chris was a wonderful husband, dad, brother, uncle - and friend to many.
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Hide Ad“The circumstances of his death, although tragic and unfathomable to us his family, show the sort of man he was - to go to help rather than to turn away.”
Hassan Jhangur, aged 23, has been charged with murder and five counts of attempted murder, and will appear in Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday (December 2).
A 55 year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, has been released on police bail.