A Leicester dad died suddenly after hiking in Cumbria. A fundraiser supports his three children’s future.
Russ, a tattoo artist, had a pulmonary embolism which blocked arteries in Ambleside, near Windermere. This happened on Monday, January 27. He collapsed at a petrol station and strangers tried CPR, but they could not save him. Russ died right there.
Now, people raised over £3,000 for his kids—Curtis, 21, Grace, 13, and Amelia, nine. The money is being raised via GoFundMe. Russ’s sister, Theresa, explained the fundraiser. Russ didn’t have life insurance because he was young.
The money is for something to remember their dad. Russ was driving back to Leicestershire and stopped for fuel in Ambleside around 5:30 p.m. After paying, he fell back near his van and collapsed.
People tried to revive him with CPR. Emergency services came, but they couldn’t help. The family is grateful for those who tried to save him. It comforts them knowing he wasn’t alone.
He left his daughters on Friday and was due back Monday morning. Contractors were coming to plaster his shop. When he didn’t show, there was a problem. His cousin and business partner looked for him. They reported him missing when they couldn’t find him.
Russ’s ex-partner told the family the news. The police then explained exactly what occurred. Theresa’s mom found out first. She called Theresa and was sobbing. Theresa’s mom is arranging the funeral.
It is hard because only three of them were left and now Russ is gone too. Parents never expect to bury their kids. His death shocked her. He was active, though overweight, and they didn’t expect this at all.
He aimed for 10,000 steps daily. He sent pictures to his mom and he was always active. Theresa said Russ was “a character.” He had a wild humor and liked thrills. He loved camping and pushing his limits.
His mom identified his body. He had tattoos on his feet. His personality shined through, even then. The body preparer even had to laugh. Russ owned By Design, a tattoo shop in Leicester.
He also had businesses in London, Essex, and Kent. He’d give these to his apprentices. People noticed his tattoos. His partner said apprentices did them. He let them practice on him, never going to a professional.
Russ loved hiking and camping since he was young. He liked escaping into nature. He told people where he went and also said when he would return.
The last weeks have been a “whirlwind.” Many people loved Russ.
They expressed their grief and shock. People shared stories of his kindness. He would help anyone with anything.