A fundraiser launched in memory of Aidan Bentham has been met with an overwhelming response from the community, as friends and family remember him as a kind, caring and deeply compassionate man who always put others before himself.
The fundraiser was set up by Lily Bentham following the sudden loss of her half-brother, with the aim of helping ease some of the financial pressure on the family while honouring Aidan’s memory.
Paying tribute to him, Lily described Aidan as someone who dedicated much of his life to supporting others, often working with underprivileged people and sharing messages of love and positivity.
“Aidan was a very kind and caring individual who put others’ needs above his own all the time despite his own personal struggles,” she said.
“He has always been extremely empathetic and wanted to support those around him as much as possible.”
Lily said one of the most important things she wants people to remember about Aidan was the love and care he showed to those around him.
“One thing I want people to remember about Aidan was that even though he had his own difficulties it was always incredibly important for him to care for the people around him and spread a message of love.”
Alongside his caring nature, Aidan is also being remembered for his humour and ability to make others smile.
“Aidan was always very funny and had a wicked sense of humour and would do what he could to make you laugh just by being silly, dancing around and making a fool of himself,” Lily said.
“Embarrassment was never a problem if he was making other people smile.”
Among Lily’s favourite memories is a recently recreated childhood photograph the pair took together — a moment she says she will now treasure forever.
“A personal favourite memory was us recreating a childhood photo we had taken many years ago. We did this quite recently and it’s one of my favourite photos I have to cherish,” she added.
Since launching the fundraiser, Lily said the support shown by the community has been “incredibly moving”, with donations and messages of kindness pouring in from people wanting to support the family and celebrate Aidan’s life.
“I have absolutely been overwhelmed by all the support me and my family have received,” she said.
“It’s been incredibly moving for us all to see how quickly community comes together in times of need.
“I was not at all expecting to raise as much as I have but as always people’s kindness has amazed me and even in such dark times in the world it’s so powerful to see how kindness thrives no matter what.”
The fundraiser continues to receive support as loved ones remember Aidan for the warmth, humour and compassion he brought to those around him.
Since launching the fundraiser, Lily said the support shown by the community has been “incredibly moving”, with donations and messages of kindness pouring in from people wanting to support the family and celebrate Aidan’s life. At the time of writing, £1,788 of the £2.4k target had been raised.