Portsmouth man who died in China flown back to UK after fundraising campaign

Dad-of-two Kevin Little, 39, died on July 30 while working abroad as an English teacher, but the Chinese authorities have remained tight-lipped over the police investigation into his death.

His family, who believe his death may have been linked to his epilepsy, have spent the past two months trying to fundraise up to £25,000 to bring him home.

Kevin’s brother Adam, 36, confirmed his body is being flown back to Heathrow on Saturday after repatriation charity Rest donated £10,000 to help with costs.

Adam, of North End, said: ‘It was a massive godsend. Without their help with this we would not have been able to bring him home.

‘It has been headache after headache after headache.’

Kevin’s friend, Jessica Bawn, played a significant role in speaking to the authorities and helping to organise the repatriation.

A JustGiving page was also set up for the family to raise the money needed for the repatriation and funeral costs.

Kevin was last in Portsmouth, where he had lived on and off for 10 years, in November, 2018.

He spent eight years teaching English in China near Shanghai and lived around 80 miles north of the major city, in Nantong.

His mum Wendy is landlady at the Derby Tavern in Stamshaw and held a fundraiser at the pub last month.

Adam added: ‘We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the Derby Tavern and to all the anonymous donors online.

‘Our little family just want to thank everyone who has helped us.’

Kevin’s funeral will take place at Portchester Crematorium at 10am on October 11, with a wake afterwards at the Derby Tavern.