Fundraising bid for family of 12-year-old boy who died from sudden illness reaches almost £5,000
An attempt to raise money for a bereaved family had garnered close to £5,000 at time of writing.
Gopi Marengo, aged 12, died on Sunday after being hospitalised with complications arising from sudden-onset, undiagnosed diabetes said Neil Gardner, who is involved in the fundraising.
A friend of the family – who are Argentinian Hindus, living in Lisburn – Mr Gardner is helping to arrange the funeral.
He said the initial plan was to cover the funeral, but it has since emerged that a government grant of £3,000 is available to help with that, so the money raised will be given to the family to support them with general living expenses.
Mr Gardner runs Lisburn Chess Club which Gopi joined about 18 months ago, along with his elder sister Radhika (both of whom were home-schooled by parents Naiara Pierotto and father Leonardo Marengo).
Gopi only fell seriously ill several days before he passed away.
He had been in an induced coma, and had been due to travel to England for emergency surgery before he died, understands Mr Gardner.
By pure “bad luck”, the family were also in the process of moving house today.
Mr Gardner said Gopi was “a lovely wee boy,” adding: “He was a perfectly healthy 12-year-old boy. It’s absolutely horrendous...
"He was a really bubbly kid – always smiling and laughing. And he was an excellent chess player.
"He also enjoyed taekwondo, and was loved by all.
"It’s hit us all so hard.”
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood wrote: “Absolutely devastating news that young Gopi has passed away.
"Gopi Marengo was just 12 years old and was a keen chess player, finding his tribe at Lisburn Chess Club, a place he truly loved. Tragically, Gopi passed away after a short illness.
"To compound the heartache, his family are in Northern Ireland by themselves and have no-one to lean on or rely on during this time of bereavement and loss.
"I know the local community in Lisburn and Lagan Valley will want to help, and so a link has been provided for those who wish to donate to the family at this incredibly difficult time.
"I know we will all be holding you, and those who love Gopi, in prayer.”
Ronnie Thompson of Lisburn is organising the funeral; there are no funeral details at time of writing.
The fundraising page is givesendgo.com/SupporttheMarengofamily .