A CROWDFUNDING campaign has been set up to raise money to bring home the body of a Bradford woman after she died in Spain.

Dawn Thompson, 59, was on holiday when she died on Wednesday, December 21.

As she did not have travel insurance for the holiday, the family now has to find more than £4,500 to have her body repatriated.

After hearing the news from his friend - and Mrs Thompson’s son - Andy Thompson, Paul Loat, the owner of the Bold Privateer pub in Wrose, Shipley, started a fundraising campaign to help the family to bring her body home.

Mr Loat said it was instinctive to help his friend of more than ten years.

He said: “Andy is a wonderful person and was one of my groomsmen at my wedding.

“He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, so I knew straightaway I had to do something to help his family.”

Mr Loat’s Just Giving page raised more than £1,200 in its first week along with donations collected in the pub.

“It’s times like this when you realise how generous people can be, especially at this time of year it really tugs on your heartstrings.”

Andy Thompson is in Spain to arrange the repatriation of his mother’s body.

Mrs Thompson’s grandson, Ben Rayner, said the family had been left devastated by the news.

He said the family, who live in Windhill, Shipley, felt touched by the generosity of the community.

Mr Rayner, 21, said: “I didn’t expect this level of support at all, we are just trying to get it shared around so people can help if they are able.

“My grandma was a bubbly person, and was always fun to be around.

“It’s a tough time for the whole family but the support we have received is helping.

“We would be very, very grateful if people could help us out, even if it’s just by sharing our story to get the word about.

“I know it is tough at this time of year but any help would be greatly appreciated.”

To help the family return Mrs Thompson’s body to the UK, visit bit.ly/2h9sJyS.

MORE TOP STORIES