THE family of a popular key worker is raising money to bring his body back to Oxford after he died suddenly in Jamaica.

Leroy Allen, known to family and friends as Dave, died on Tuesday while visiting family and friends in Kingston.

Family described Mr Allen, 58, as a popular member of the Oxford community, after moving to the city from Jamaica 25 years ago.

His niece, Theresa Anderson, has set up an online fundraiser to cover the costs of bringing his body back to the UK, the funeral and to support Mr Allen’s teenage son.

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She said: “His death was quite sudden, he told family he was sick and then died on his way to hospital in Kingston.

“He was out visiting family and friends, he loved Jamaica and for the last five years, he tried to go at least once a year.”

The family is currently awaiting the outcome of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Miss Anderson, 34, described Mr Allen, who lived in Blackbird Leys, as a great father, who leaves behind a 17-year-old son.

She said the fundraiser, which has so far raised over £3,000, would hopefully raise enough to support Mr Allen’s son.

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“I set up the fundraiser to cover the cost of the repatriation. We spoke to a couple of companies about the costs and we’ve been told these things cost between £6,000 and £10,000,” she said.

“Because of Covid-19, we don’t know whether that will now impact on the cost.

“There’s also the funeral costs which need to get covered too, and that’ll be an extra few thousand.

“We don’t want his son to suffer and have to worry about financial costs so it’ll be nice to know there’s something there for his future.”

Mr Allen was born in Jamaica, but upon moving to Oxford, the city quickly became his new home.

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Miss Anderson said her uncle was a popular and caring man.

“He was so popular in the Oxford community, especially in the Caribbean community, people knew him far and wide and he was adored by all,” she said.

“He was loveable, caring and he really liked his music. He was kind and always made jokes, if you was having a bad day, he would always put a smile on your face.

“He was such a character and and he’ll be sorely missed.

“He was the kind of man who would never walk past you in the street, he’d always say hello.

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“He was a key worker and looked after people with care needs, working as a private carer.

“He had clients who had MS and he would do their shopping and help them out.

“His work gratified him and he felt good that he was making a difference to the world.”

Miss Anderson said Dave was a nickname he’d always had, after picking it up in Jamaica.

“Dave was just a nickname he had in Jamaica and it stuck here too, everyone knew him as Dave,” she said.

To donate, please visit: gofundme.com/f/Bringleroydavehome