On Saturday, 24 February, 2024, Dmytro (Dima) Tipakov, age 38, died of complications due a pre-existing condition. He has lived with me since his arrival in December 2022. His mother and brother in Ukraine have not seen him since he boarded a plane to leave his home and their only wish now is to say goodbye to him and bury him.

Dima was trying hard to learn English and he worked at the Sharksfin Restaurant in Mevagissey (which he loved so much!), right around the corner from the house we have shared since his arrival. He was quiet and a bit shy, but many locals in Mevagissey remember him as the man who was always smiling!

Rain or shine, Dima spent his days walking the coastal paths and visiting nearby beaches. He worked as many evenings as he could, and even when returning home exhausted from his kitchen work, he would be smiling and, when I asked him how his day was, would give me a huge smile, a thumbs up, and a resounding "GOOD!" in response.

At this time, I am asking for donations of any amount to help pay the cost of sending him home. ANY and all money donated will go directly to pay the cost of his repatriation and burial; if more money is raised than needed for these costs, it will be sent to his mother, Ludmilla, to support her as she grieves the loss of her son.