ISLANDERS have been thanked for rallying to support a family left devastated following the sudden death of a father in St Helier last week.
Pretesh Patel (33) died on Tuesday 28 November following a fall near his home in Westmount Road.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned yesterday.
Mr Patel, known as 鈥淭esh鈥, and his partner, Rachel Peltor, had a four-month-old daughter, Nayvi,[correct] and friends have sought to provide support by setting up an online fundraising page.
Damian Philpott, one of those involved in the JustGiving initiative,said the idea was to try to make a meaningful difference to his friend鈥檚 partner and the couple鈥檚 young child.
鈥淭esh was a wonderful person, was not only a life partner to Rachel but also a loving father to Nayvi,鈥 he said.
鈥淪ince I first met Tesh I鈥檝e got to know him as a really genuine and nice guy, someone who was charming and didn鈥檛 have a bad bone in his body.
鈥淚 haven鈥檛 heard anyone say a single negative thing about Tesh 鈥 he was a lovely person and that鈥檚 made it all the more shocking for those who are processing this news.鈥
During a ten-minute hearing, held to enable Mr Patel鈥檚 body to be released in order that funeral proceedings could continue, the inquest heard that Mr Patel, a self-employed optometrist, had been pronounced dead at the Hospital soon after his fall.
A police spokesperson told the hearing the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Viscount Mark Harris adjourned the inquest pending the receipt of medical tests, and authorised the release of the body. In an update posted on the JustGiving page yesterday afternoon, the organisers passed on Ms Peltor鈥檚 thanks for the support from Islanders, which included donations of more than 拢4,000 towards the 拢6,000 target.
The update to supporters stated: 鈥淩achel has been genuinely moved by the outpouring of support, which is evident in the kind words and generous gifts she has received.
鈥淵our collective generosity has given Rachel the means to channel her focus towards her plans to remain in UU裸聊直播, where she can nurture and raise her and Tesh鈥檚 daughter.
鈥淭he overwhelming love and solidarity displayed by the UU裸聊直播 community have left a lasting impact on Rachel 鈥 not only have your words and gestures alleviated the immediate challenges she faces, but they have also become a source of strength, comfort and resilience for her that will help carry her through these difficult times.
鈥淭hank you for being a beacon of support and making a meaningful difference in Rachel鈥檚 and Nayvi鈥檚 lives.鈥
The fundraising page can be accessed at .
