Jason Arday: Professor's family thank supporters as fundraiser donations pass £70,000

Jason Arday's family have thanked his supporters after a fundraiser set up in memory of the former University of Cambridge professor passed more than £70,000.

The 41-year-old, who resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education last week, was found dead at an address in Battersea, London on Friday.

On Saturday afternoon Windrush campaigner Sir Patrick Vernon launched a GoFundMe page in Dr Arday's memory, which has since received more than 2,000 donations.

Dr Arday's family said in a statement: "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who have reached out following the tragic loss of our beloved Jason. We have been touched by the messages of love, condolences and acts of kindness during what is a deeply painful time for our family.

"We are incredibly moved by the generosity of those who have contributed in any way to Jason's funeral, memorial and associated costs. Whilst no sum of money will ever bring him back to us, the generosity you have shown is helping to ease some of the practical pressures we face while we try to come to terms with our loss.

"It has brought us some comfort to hear from the many people whose lives Jason touched as a family member, friend, colleague, teacher, academic, author or advocate."

Writing on the GoFundMe website, Sir Patrick paid tribute to the "pioneering" academic - and said he was "deeply concerned" about the nature and intensity of attacks directed at him after allegations of plagiarising his PhD thesis while at Liverpool John Moores University. Questions were also raised about Dr Arday's life history and claims in his forthcoming memoir Great and Unfortunate Things.

"I was also subject to media scrutiny for signing the letter of support and challenged in supporting Jason," he said.

Sir Patrick said the funds will help cover Dr Arday's funeral, memorial and associated family costs, as well as practical support for his family.

Stand Up to Racism co-convenor Weyman Bennett said in a statement that his death was a tragedy, and the "result of a racist witch hunt."

"For more than a week, the right-wing press, politicians and the far right have hounded Jason with the most vicious racism," Mr Bennett said.

"They are spreading the far-right lie that black people are only appointed because of the colour of our skin, rather than our ability.

"They have blood on their hands. Our thoughts are with Jason's family, but we are furious with those who are to blame. Enough is enough."

The anti-racism organisation has announced plans for a vigil in Dr Arday's memory on the steps of the National Gallery in central London at 6pm on Monday.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Saturday described the professor's death as a "tragedy on so many levels" and a "really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs".

"It's not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It's a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this," he told reporters during a trip to Cornwall.

In a resignation letter, Dr Arday had told colleagues: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.

"The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."

He said his resignation shouldn't "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me".

In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK on Friday, Dr Arday's family said he was "subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse" during his tenure at Cambridge "by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him".

Professor Deborah Prentice, vice chancellor at the University of Cambridge, said: "We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

The university initially said he was the target of a "vile" smear campaign, but has since launched an independent investigation into his appointment.

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Dr Arday's thesis contained "more than 100 passages that are identical or nearly identical to a 2009 PhD thesis" by a Brunel University student - although it said he credited the student 17 times.

Liverpool John Moores University previously said it conducted a "confidential procedure" after being notified about the allegations in September, adding that his PhD "still stands".

Dr Arday cancelled promotional events for his memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, which is due to be published on 27 August.

The publisher had faced calls to postpone its release in the wake of the plagiarism claims and other scrutiny.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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