Manx community thanked for kindness following missing man's death

Fundraising campaign for Jamie Barrow exceeds £11K

*A warning that this story contains references of suicide and information which some readers may find upsetting.

The family of a Ramsey man who drowned after going missing last year has thanked the Manx community for helping them in their darkest time.

Emergency services launched an extensive search for 39-year-old Jamie Barrow on 17 September 2023.

They, alongside volunteer groups, worked ‘tirelessly’ day and night in inclement weather employing all available resources, manpower and search and rescue techniques in the hope of finding Jamie alive.

Sadly his body was discovered by a fishing vessel off the coast of his hometown two weeks later on 30 September.

A subsequent inquest found he’d downed; you can find out more HERE.

"We cannot thank all the agencies enough for the time effort and care on this investigation."

'Thank You'

Shortly after, determined to do something to channel their grief, Jamie’s family started a memorial fundraising campaign with the intention of giving something back to everyone who had helped.

Initially the family wanted to raise £1,000 but six months on they’ve collected £11,400.

The money has now been distributed to 14 charities on the Island including:

• Norbury Boathouse Fund Ramsey Lifeboat - £2300
• The Firefighters Charity - £2300
• Civil Defence IOM - £2300
• Give A Gift (IOM Constabulary) - £1200
• Isle Stand up to Suicide - £1200
• Search & Rescue Dogs - £400
• Bereaved Survivors of Suicide - £350
• Iron Pier Restoration memorial bench - £250
• New View (formerly Quing) IOM - £200
• Leonard Cheshire Centre - £200
• Isle Listen - £200
• Victim Support - £200
• IOM Underwater Search & Recovery Team - £200
• IOM Foodbank - £100

Mental Health

Among the charities chosen were four which work to help people struggling with their mental health.

Jamie himself struggled with his, on and off, over many years.

“He loved people but at heart was a lonely soul who could never really get to grips with his illness. It tormented him to the end.”

And his family is keen to acknowledge that there are others too facing similar struggles.

Fay Lloyd-Howell is Jamie’s cousin:

The inquest into Jamie’s death will resume on a date to be set.

Support

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.