A British tourist perished in the water off the Canary Islands on his 30th birthday.
On the morning of July 29, Nicholas Desmond, 29, of Gabalfa, Cardiff, travelled to Tenerife for a vacation.
He had only been there for a few hours when he became entangled in the sea near Callao Salvaje and was recovered, displaying indications of drowning.
The 29-year-old, nicknamed Nicky, was flown to Adeje and was scheduled to be transferred to the hospital by a waiting ambulance.
Unfortunately, Nicholas died.
Sacha Pugsley, 29, a family friend, paid homage to him, saying, ‘He was really effervescent, very extroverted.’ He was always willing to provide a helping hand to everyone.
‘If he could, he would literally walk the world for me.’ He was usually cheerful and lively. I don’t recall ever witnessing him being unhappy.
‘He would never pull somebody down.’
His friends are seeking funds to transport his body home to rest, with the goal of raising £10,000.
‘On the 29th of July, we lost our Nicky after he was rescued from the water in the south of Tenerife,’ says a message on their fundraising website.
‘The night before our boy’s 30th birthday, he was snatched from us and sent to fly his wings; the horrible accident had left a scar on all of us; I want to gather as much money as I can to bring him back from Spain and lay him to rest where he belongs.’
‘The expenses to bring him home are extremely high let’s bring him back. The unexpected death of a child is an unimaginable loss that no one could prepare for. Every parent’s greatest fear is the loss of their child.
‘It happened so suddenly and I know nothing will ever fill the void in their hearts.
‘He was such a beautiful soul, a brother, a son loved by all that met him, has left us too soon.
‘Our beloved friends & The Gabalfa community have suffered a significant loss with the recent passing of their precious friend Nicky.
‘While we cannot take away their pain, we can help this loving family with the many financial burdens they now face. Please consider donating as they lay their son to rest and take the time away to grieve.’
On Nicky’s 30th birthday, a balloon release was organized in his honor.