A father of two has died in hospital more than a week after leaping from a fire that tore through his home in Greater Manchester.
Emergency services were called to a row of terraced homes in Dukinfield, Tameside, on September 10 after a fire broke out across four properties. Marek Bonawenturski, 52, was taken to hospital in critical condition. It is believed he jumped from his first-floor bedroom window in an attempt to escape the blaze.
Fundraiser launched after fire
His close friend Edyta Mickiewicz set up a fundraiser after Mr Bonawenturski was said to have lost everything in the fire. An update on the fundraising page has since confirmed that Mr Bonawenturski has died. The money raised will now be used to help return his body to his native Poland and pay for his funeral, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The post read: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you that Marek has passed away. Our hearts are broken, and the magnitude of this tragedy is difficult to put into words.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for every single donation, kind word, and show of support received so far. Your solidarity gives us immense strength. In light of this tragic turn of events, the goals of our fundraiser have changed.”
Funds redirected to repatriation
“All funds raised so far, as well as any further donations, will be fully dedicated to covering the costs of repatriating Marek’s body back to Poland and organizing the funeral service, so that we can give him a proper farewell among family and loved ones.”
“If you are able to continue supporting us or sharing this fundraiser, we will be deeply grateful. Thank you for standing with us.”
Edyta previously described Marek as an “incredibly kind, supportive and reliable person to everyone around him”. She said: “He has got many, many Polish friends. He has lost everything and we need to help him. Marek is a good person. We are really shocked about what happened. He is a good man.”
Emergency response and neighbour accounts
At the height of the blaze, five fire engines attended the scene with specialist resources, alongside officers and paramedics. One neighbour said at the time: “It is awful. We were knocked up by the police and told to get out. We heard people shouting outside. I opened the curtains and saw someone in one of the gardens. We heard people shouting outside and I heard a crackling noise. I looked out of my bedroom window and saw the fire.”
Another resident added: “The man has lived there for at least 10 years. He is a really nice bloke and this is dreadful. I just can’t imagine thinking about it. It could have been so much worse. The damage is horrendous. Adjoining homes have been badly damaged.”
