Another Nigerian dies in UK, community launches fundraising appeal for his burial

Abike

The death of a Nigerian student, Douglas Izevbigie, in the United Kingdom has sparked fresh concerns over chronic illnesses among Nigerians living abroad, as members of the community launch a fundraising appeal to support his burial.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that a GoFundMe appeal was created following his death on January 21 at a UK hospital after a battle with aggressive leukaemia.

The fundraiser, shared widely among Nigerians in the UK, was organised by a woman identified simply as Sephora, who said the funds would assist the deceased’s sister, Kate, and their family with funeral and related expenses.

Sephora, who described herself as Kate’s colleague, said Douglas, 37, travelled to the UK in 2024 as an international student to pursue a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University.

According to her, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia midway through his studies last year and spent long periods in and out of hospital due to complications.

“In the middle of his studies last year, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia. He underwent treatment and was frequently in and out of the hospital with complications,” she wrote.

“Even through it all, he continued trying to keep up with his studies, showing remarkable strength and determination.” Punch