The late Kevin Baetul, beloved father and friend, has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at the age of 65. The news has been devastating for his family and friends, who are now grappling with the reality that Kevin has only 1-2 years left to live. Kevin’s daughter, Sian Bird, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing the profound impact of her father’s diagnosis.
"My lovely wee Dad & best little pal, has heartbreakingly been diagnosed with MND… he is only expected to be with us for another 1-2 years," Sian wrote. Kevin has always been candid about his end-of-life wishes, expressing a desire to be buried under a tree to help nourish the earth and live on through it.
In response to Kevin’s wishes, his family has organized a fundraiser to give him the send-off he deserves. Tony Bird, who is organizing the GoFundMe campaign, explained the situation: "Kevin initially wanted a pauper’s burial and didn’t want anyone to be burdened with the costs. However, we found a provider that can fulfill his wish to be buried naturally with a tree on his grave."
The fundraiser, created yesterday, has raised £365 of its £4,500 goal through 19 donations. The campaign has received support from many, including Sophie Palmer, who made a recent donation of £10, and an anonymous donor who contributed £50.
Sian Bird, in her Facebook post, also reflected on the silver lining of being able to plan her father’s perfect send-off while he is still with them. She urged friends and family to support the campaign: "If you’d like to spare a penny or a pound (or even just a wee share), that would mean everything to us."
The community has rallied around Kevin and his family, with messages of love and support pouring in. Emma Arthur commented, "Love to all your family, he is the most brilliant man," while Andrea Fox sent "lots of love and hugs."
Despite the emotional toll of Kevin’s diagnosis, the family is also planning a living wake for him in July, allowing him to be surrounded by his nearest and dearest while he is still able to enjoy their company. Tony Bird thanked everyone for their donations and support, expressing the family’s deep gratitude.
This fundraiser highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis and the impact of collective efforts to honor a loved one’s final wishes.
Note:This post was written and edited by Sebastian Young, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.