Generosity of Derry people evident following tragic death

The legendary generosity of the people of Derry has come to the fore once more following the tragic death of young Jack Edgar over Christmas.

In just one week, a GoFundMe page set up by a friend of the Edgar family has raised almost four times its original £2,000 goal. 

Speaking to Derry Now, he said: “The Edgar’s are a good family who lost their son in tragic circumstances. Tony, Jack’s father, is a hard working, family oriented man. He is self-employed. He runs a small chip shop out of Creggan and would be well known in that area.

“I know the long hours he puts in when he’s working in the chip shop or outside the shop prepping. He puts a lot of time and a lot of effort into that and that is the family’s main source of income.

“I just thought to myself, it would be a platform for people’s generosity but it turns out it has completely exceeded what I thought would ever happen, massively so. We are currently looking at donations totalling £7,194.

The GoFundMe page is still accepting donations HERE.

“This will help ease the financial burden on the family and hopefully give them the space to grieve properly. All of the donations will go to Jack’s family to help them through this difficult time.”

“You can see the number of people you have donated out of their own hard-earned cash and their own generosity. Hundreds and hundreds of people locally have supported the Edgar family,” said the family friend.

“I would like to thank every one of them. The people of Derry never fail to step up. I know some of the donations came from beyond Derry too. People locally saw a family in despair. They are probably going through tough times themselves too financially but they donated what they could and you can’t ask for much more than that. That is a big thing.”

Jack, who was from the Carnhill area of Derry, was described as a "kind and gentle boy", following his passing. He was the 'beloved son' of Tony and Sabina, a loving brother of Kayleigh, TJ, and Olivia, and a “darling grandson” of Jimmy, Donna Edgar, and Siobhan.

In an online tribute to Jack, St Brigid's Primary and Nursery School said: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of our past pupil Jack Edgar.

"We offer our sincere condolences to his mum Sabrina, a member of our staff, her husband Tony, Kayleigh, TJ and Olivia and wider family circle. May Jack rest in peace."

A member of Strike Martial Arts Academy described Jack as a "talented young lad with many friends".

"It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of a much-loved club member, Jack Edgar.

"Thoughts and condolences go to Sabrina, Tony and the wider circle of the Edgar family.

"A talented young lad with many friends in the club, you will be sorely missed, Jack.”

Jack worked at Premiair Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and in the days after his death, a spokesperson for the company said he had "quickly stolen our hearts".

They said: "Our hearts are very sore at Premiair Refrigeration and Air Conditioning as we mourn the loss of our much-loved colleague and friend Jack Edgar.

"Such a kind and gentle boy who never once complained about anything, he just got on with it. He was good-looking and just had a beautiful energy, he was quite shy and could be easily embarrassed, but that was Jack and he would just laugh it off.

"He had passed his driving test earlier this year and was so proud to be given his own van to go out to work on his own. We were delighted to see him pushing on and pursuing his career as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning engineer.

"I remember him beaming with pride each time he brought in a job sheet from a job he'd completed alone. He had just recently passed a number of exams in his final year and again he was so proud, as were we.

"He was a brilliant engineer and a highly valued member of our team. Everyone loved Jack, he was one of a kind, we do have many fond memories of him and we will keep them in our hearts forever.

"Thank you Jack for being you, many hearts are broken right now and you will never be forgotten. We love you.”