Appeal after tragic sudden death in Orkney

An online appeal to raise funds to help a family come together in the most tragic of circumstances has led to an astonishing amount of support flooding in from the people of Orkney and far beyond.

38 year-old father of two Tid Phaithaisong who lived in Rendall, died suddenly while enjoying a day of golf at The Orkney Golf Club in Kirkwall on Saturday.

Tid, originally from Thailand, was married to his Orcadian wife Gillian and was father to two young girls, Yolande 9, and Miranda 6.He worked as a tradesman for local firm Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd and was popular among his colleges and many friends.

It was the wish of Tid, and his family back in Thailand – especially his mother, Sombat, – for him to be laid to rest back in his home town in Thailand.

This led to family friend Sharon Croy along with Tid’s sister-in-law Carole McGee, setting up an online fundraiser to help with the costs of transporting his remains to Thailand, along with his wife and children, so that he can be laid to rest where he is from, in Udon Thani, around 600km from Bangkok.

Amazingly, within 24 hours of the online appeal being launched on Wednesday evening, over £11,000 was raised. As well as travel expenses for the family, the money will also go towards funeral expenses in Thailand.

Sharon said: “I would love if we could all make it possible together for Tid’s body to get back home to Thailand to be laid to rest, and for his lovely wife Gillian and two beautiful daughters Yolande and Miranda to be there to say their goodbyes with his family in Thailand. I care about this because she’s one of my dear friends and feel It is important for all the family to be together to say their final goodbyes to Tid, and to help each other through this terribly difficult and sad time.”

Speaking about the support which has been given so far, she added: “Thank you so much for the amazing amount you kind people have donated so far, it’s overwhelming how kind people are. Anyone that knew Tid knew he was a good husband to Gillian, and good dad to the girls. He was a hard-working, well-respected man, a good friend, and loved by many, he is gone to soon.”

Carol added: “Sharon and I can’t begin to explain how much this money raised means to my lovely sister Gillian, the girls, and Tid’s family in Thailand. I want you all to know that you have made a massive difference and we’ll never be able to thank you all enough. We will miss Tid so very much, we can’t believe he’s gone from our lives. A great brother-in-law and uncle to my kids, we will miss him forever.”

Donations can be made online here https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sharon-croy