Donations in memory of Professor Jason Arday have risen above £147,000, with his family issuing a message of "heartfelt thanks" to all those who have reached out following his death.
The total increased to £147,261 on Monday, with a new target set of £200,000. Professor Arday, who was found dead on Friday aged 41, resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge after allegations of plagiarism were made against him.
Family's message of gratitude
On Saturday, Sir Patrick Vernon, who played a leading role in the successful campaign to establish a national Windrush Day, set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page, which has collected the donations. He wrote: "I ask everyone who knew Jason, was inspired by him, worked alongside him, taught or studied with him, or simply believes that a grieving family deserves our compassion, to contribute whatever you can."
The fundraising page is now showing the message of thanks from Professor Arday's family. It says: "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who have reached out following the tragic loss of our beloved Jason. We have been touched by the messages of love, condolences and acts of kindness during what is a deeply painful time for our family."
"We are incredibly moved by the generosity of those who have contributed in any way to Jason's funeral, memorial and associated costs. Whilst no sum of money will ever bring him back to us, the generosity you have shown is helping to ease some of the practical pressures we face while we try to come to terms with our loss."
"It has brought us some comfort to hear from the many people whose lives Jason touched as a family member, friend, colleague, teacher, academic, author or advocate. Jason achieved so much during his life and inspired many people through his determination, compassion and commitment to creating opportunities for others by."
"We are so proud of him and wish for his life to be remembered for the person he truly was and the positive difference he made in the world. We thank you for standing alongside us and helping us honour him through your words and actions."
"At this time, we kindly ask that our family's privacy and space to grieve are respected. With our deepest gratitude, the family of Professor Jason Arday."
Public support and vigil
Sir Patrick has said the outpouring of support shows the public "still cares" and feels "angry". He added: "Britain still cares – people, black, white, brown, care and feel angry about the situation.
"People want to support the family. There's lots of speculation about how much money Jason has or doesn't have, that's not the point. The fact is, people want to support the family because he's dead, he's died, and he has a young family. He has parents and he has a family that he has supported, and people want to support the family."
A vigil for the professor, organised by the group Stand Up To Racism, will be held on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, central London, at 6pm on Monday.
