Let's help little Kai (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Let's help little Kai

Kai McCullochTHE FAMILY of a Swindon man whose body is lost at sea are holding an event to raise money for his two-year-old son.

Little Kai will grow up with few memories of his father, 22-year-old Samuel McCulloch who died after falling from a fishing boat 20 miles north of Alderney.

Samuel, who grew up in Wroughton and Park North and attended Ridgeway School, had worked on the fishing boats for three years after moving to Dorset five years ago when his parents separated.

Coastguards launched a major search after he fell overboard on May 21 but could not find his body.

Samuel's family are devastated by their loss and desperately want to help Samuel's former partner Donna Challinor 20, mother of Kai.

Jane Porteous, 38, of Walcot who is a cousin to Samuel's aunt Nicky Scott, said:" This young girl has been left alone with a two-year-old son and it's just so sad.

"We want to raise some money to put away in a trust for Kai for if he needs it. Samuel always gave Kai the best of everything.

"He loved that little boy to bits and he would have done anything for him."

She said Samuel was a "lad with a heart of gold".

"It's so sad that Kai will grow up without a dad."

Samuel's mother Julie Menzies lives in Portland, Dorset and his father David McCulloch lives in Walcot.

His aunt Nicky Scott, 35, who lives close to David said: "We can't do anything for Samuel anymore but we can do something to help his little one. Kai is a beautiful boy just like his dad really."

The fundraising event will take place at the Merlin Pub in Drove Road, Walcot on Saturday June 26 from 12.30pm to 5.30pm.

Already businesses from across Swindon have donated raffle prizes but the family still needs help.

Jane said: "We have so many people to thank as we've received some really fantastic prizes including TVs, DVDs and hotels stays.

"What we do need though is stuff for the barbeque that we will be holding.

"We desperately need tables but also sausages and burgers to cook."

Anyone who thinks they can help should contact Jane on 01793 323177.