Mike Thalassitis' family are raising £25k for his funeral and his secret girlfriend Ellie has made the biggest donation so far

MIKE Thalassitis' friends are aiming to raise £25,000 towards his funeral – and his secret girlfriend Ellie O'Donnell has made the biggest donation so far.

A fundraising page on Go Fund Me is currently on £3,079 of £25,000 goal with money being raised so Mike's grieving family don't have to "face anything alone".

The Love Island star was tragically found dead last week at the age of 26.

Model Ellie, 22, admitted Mike's death will 'haunt' her for the rest of her life earlier this week and has donated £250 to the appeal.

Love Island star Jack Fowler has also shown his support by sharing the appeal on his Instagram page.

The heartfelt message on Mike's Go Fund Me explains that the family have only just held a funeral for his nan.


The appeal's page reads: "Mike Thalassitis was a beloved son, brother, friend and good man to many people.
"As everybody is aware we all lost a brilliant person on March 16th. I'm sure that everyone here and all those that were fortunate enough to know Mike wishes that they had done or said something that could have changed this outcome and have helped him in so that this terrible tragedy did not befall Mike and everybody that cared for him"


"Mike's family were doing everything possible to come to terms with the death of Andy’s mum (Mike's Nan) before their youngest son was taken within days of each other. Mike’s family are hard working people experiencing a time of intense pain and suffering. Accordingly we are asking for all of your help so that they do not have to face anything alone."

"So we have created this as a collection so all of those who want to contribute can. We will give all donations raised to Mike's mum and dad to help fund his funeral costs and the rest given to a mental health charity of their choice."

Friends rushed to the page to share messages of love and support for Mike's family after his death.

"You were the most incredible person and I’m so lucky to have known you," one pal wrote.

Another added: "Such a sad loss of a beautiful young man, devastating! Thinking of his family at this very sad time."

A well-wisher wrote: "I didn’t know Mike but this was a really sad tragedy. So sorry for your loss. May he Rest in Peace."

Yesterday, we revealed that Mike's restaurant in Essex will still open in his honour as he was due to open The Skillet with his business partner Scott Neilson before his shock death.

His business partner confirmed the restaurant will still open after a "tough week" following Mike's shock suicide.

A statement on the restaurant's Instagram reads: "Just to address all the speculation. I would like to make it clear that we will be opening The Skillet when it is ready, it has been a tough week trying to continue to sort things out.

"However, Mike would've wanted this cafe to open, he spent everyday for the past couple of months working hard to make this place a success so we are pulling together to get this ready for everyone and especially for Mike.

"Can't wait to share it with you all, and I will announce the date of the opening shortly."

On Friday,, grieving fans of the Love Island hunk want a restaurant he planned to open renamed in his honour.

Flowers have been placed outside the venue by his heartbroken friends, as well as at the site of his death. 

Mike had been planning to open up the restaurant in Loughton, Essex, along with Scott, who is also a former semi-professional footballer.

According to filings at Companies House the pair were about to open The Skillet, and an Instagram page for the restaurant had already been set up telling people that it was coming soon.

But supporters took to the page to ask that the place be named after Mike, who rose to fame on the 2017 series of Love Island.

One wrote: “Only an idea but maybe The Skillet should be called Mike Thalassitis or Michael Thalassitis?”

Another said: “Yes I agree it should be named after mike!!”

A third person added: “Change name to Thalassitis, respectful tribute to him.”

The restaurant was set to open on the high street and an Instagram post read: "1k followers in 48hrs.

"Thanks to everyone for following! Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for more exciting updates."

Mike's cause of death has been confirmed after he was found hanged in a north London park.


YOU'RE NOT ALONE

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

  • CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
  • Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
  • Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
  • Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
  • Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 09:28hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

"At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious. The man's next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner."


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