A FUNDRAISING campaign to give a fitting send-off to a “a loveable cheeky chap” who died at Wokingham station last Friday smashed its target within 24 hours of going online.
James Fennel was electrocuted and died at the scene and a post mortem is being set up to establish how it happened.
However, friends and family have been rallying round to pay tribute to the much-loved 19-year-old.
Since the weekend, a large number of tributes have been left outside the station. As well as flowers, they include an Arsenal football shirt, a bottle of beer and several bottles of Lucozade Energy Drink.
A single candle heads up the tribute.
And on Monday, a GoFundMe page was set with the aim of raising £1,000 to give ‘a helping hand towards James Fennell’s funeral’.
Set up by friend Dan Harris, it saw more than 300 people make donations to the fund. It has currently raised £4,924.
The note on the GoFundMe page says: “As everyone knows James was an amazing lad, heart of gold, always had a huge smile on his face and brought much happiness to everyone around him.
“This is a massive loss for James’ family, so I’ve set this page up to give a helping hand to his mum and family so that we can give James the best send-off possible.
“Donate what you can however big or small. Every last penny helps.”
Support has flooded in with messages of support.
One described James as “a cheeky and lovable young man, lots of fond memories of you all growing up together”.
Another had happy memories of James as he was growing up: “I remember babysitting many years ago and James sticking stickers all over my face, that brings a smile to it now”.
READ MORE: Tributes left to teenager who was electrocuted at Wokingham Station
And school friends were also supporting the appeal. One said: “Thank you for putting a shine in my school days, carry on being the James we all know. We love you shine bright”.
There have been plenty of supportive messages to James’ family. One said: “My thoughts are with all James friends and family at this most tragic time. Such a loveable cheeky chap, rest in peace sweet boy”.
The full circumstances for James’ death have yet to emerge.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Wokingham station at 11.20pm on Friday, February 1, following reports that a person had been injured on the tracks.
“Paramedics also attended, however a 19-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining serious injuries consistent with electrocution.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
To donate to the appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ForJamesFennell
