The GoFundMe fundraiser for the Nigerian-born hero, 20-year-old Folajimi “Jimi” Olubunmi-Adewole, has at the time of writing passed the £137,500 mark.
The amount raised has far surpassed the original target of £25,000 in what can only be described as an outpouring of love, gratitude, and respect for this young man, who paid the ultimate price selflessly trying to save the life of a woman who had fallen from London Bridge, into the River Thames on 24th April.
Folajimi, known as “Jimi” to his friends, selflessly and heroically jumped into the river after first calling the police, to help save the woman who had fallen into the Thames after midnight on the 24th of April.
The woman, who had reportedly tried to commit suicide, and another man who had also jumped into the river with Jimi in an effort to save the woman, were rescued by emergency services but tragically, Jimi’s body was not recovered until 6.00am.
The fundraiser, set up by Malcolm World Foundation to help Jimi’s family with funeral costs and provide financial support, has seen an overwhelming response from well-wishers who want to support Jimi’s bereaved family.
The GoFundMe page for the fundraiser states:
“This is for the HERO Nigerian Born Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole who died saving the woman… in River Thames on Friday 23/04/2021,” the fundraising page reads.
“On his way back from work, he saw the woman jumping into the river not thinking twice after calling the police, convinced he could do something to save her he jumped in and drowned saving her.
“This is to support the funeral and the rest for post -funeral as he was a hardworking college graduate who at 20 was the family’s breadwinner. He is survived by his aged parents and siblings.
“Your little support will go a long way. Pure- hearted soul. Great helper. Loving boy. RIP JimiTheHero.”
A spokes person for the City of London Police made the following statement:
“We were called at 12.12am on Saturday, April 24 to reports of a woman in the River Thames close to London Bridge.
“Two men, who had witnessed the woman fall from the bridge, entered the river to try and save her. The Coastguard and Metropolitan Police Marine Units were able to rescue the woman and one of the men.
“Sadly, following an extensive search involving police helicopters, marine units, LFB, LAS and City Police officers, the missing man was not located. At 6am the same morning, a body was found believed to be that of the missing man.
“His next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers from the City of London Police.”
To support Jimi’s family or find help with depression or suicidal thoughts see below
If you would like to support Jimi’s family, donations to the GoFundMe campaign can be made here.
If you are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts there is a range of websites and support telephone lines listed on the ITV website here.
