Colleagues of a much-loved father who collapsed and died from a suspected heart attack have launched a fundraising campaign to cover his funeral costs. Piotr Protokowicz, 50, passed away earlier this week, leaving behind his partner Goshia Malgorzata and two daughters, one of whom is severely disabled.
Piotr, originally from Poland, worked as a handyman and cleaner at Home from Home, a holiday let cleaning business in North Northumberland. He was at work on Monday but died suddenly the following day. His boss, Rachel Douglas, described him as bubbly, smiley, and always willing to help others.
Rachel told ChronicleLive: 'He was so bubbly and smiley and would help anybody. He was always first to volunteer for anything. It has been a huge shock – Piotr was at work on Monday, then on Tuesday he was dead. His partner, who also works for me, was left with the funeral bill and no money to pay for it.'
The GoFundMe campaign, set up by colleagues, aims to raise £4,500 to give Piotr 'the send-off he deserves'. As of the latest update, £970 has been raised. Piotr leaves behind daughters Szymon and Ola, the latter a child with profound disabilities, for whose care he regularly sent money.
