Stourbridge salesman devastated as brother dies in Colombia

Mark Watkins, who works at Clarks of Stourbridge near Lye, has launched a Go Fund Me page to raise cash for the repatriation of his 28-year-old brother Matthew, who has died while volunteering in Columbia, South America.

Mr Watkins, aged 41, has set a target of £7,500 to cover the costs of flying his brother’s body back so that he can be laid to rest back home close to his heartbroken family.

He told the News his brother, a keen traveller, passed away in hospital in Columbia on Friday January 26 after hitting his head in a “freak accident” fall – just three days into his trip.

Matthew Watkins on one of his adventures (Image: Facebook)

On the fundraising page he’s set up, he said: "The unexpected loss has left our family shattered.”

He said the expenses for repatriation “are overwhelming” as he called for support from family, friends and anyone who knew Matthew to help bring him “back home where he belongs”.

He said any donations would help devastated relatives to “cope with this immense loss and bring comfort to our grieving hearts”.

Mark Watkins (Image: Facebook)

Mr Watkins, who lives in Willenhall but works and has lots of friends in Stourbridge, added: “We're incredibly grateful for any contribution, no matter how big or small.

“Thank you for being a part of our journey to bring our Matthew home."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online on the Go Fund Me page (search RIP Little Brother I need your help please).

Mr Watkins has also set up a Twitter account @get_them_back to raise awareness about his brother and to support other bereaved families in a similar situation who need help to get deceased loved ones home from overseas.

Meanwhile, relatives have been selling as many possessions as possible to help raise the necessary funds to bring Matthew home.

Mr Watkins said: “My mum and my aunt are selling everything they can to try to raise money.”

He told how he was at work when he received the devastating news that his brother had passed away.

He said he has been in “denial” ever since – and he described the situation as a “nightmare”.

But he said friends and colleagues have been “so supportive” during his time of need and he added: “Everyone has rallied together.”

Matthew Watkins during a trip to Los Angeles, California, in the USA (Image: Facebook)

He described Matthew, the youngest of three brothers, as an “adventurer” and said he’d been to countries including America, Canada, Italy and Mexico doing volunteer work over the last five years. He had also worked as a lifeguard.

Paying tribute, Mr Watkins said: “He was utterly selfless. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He was just a caring, sweet kid.”

Matthew was due to turn 29 this coming Sunday (February 4) but instead of celebrating his birthday, friends and family are now just hoping they can raise the money to bring him home to say a proper goodbye.