THE KENILWORTH community has come together in the wake of the tragic death of a well-loved local figure in a biking accident in Spain.
Phil Swain, a well-known and beloved landscape gardener and tree surgeon, died on Friday February 9 while on a biking tour of Portugal and Spain when his bike was swept away by the current while attempting to cross a flooded road. Despite an intense four-hour search by emergency services, Phil’s body was found downstream.
And now the community of Kenilworth has come together to provide much-needed support for Phil’s family.
Moved by the loss of this much-loved father of two, his sister, Caroline and a group of Phil’s close friends rallied round to support the family and one of the group, Wayne Campbell, suggested launching a fundraiser on GoFundMe to assist financially.
In a heartfelt message, Wayne said: “Phil was a cherished figure within the community.
His passions were for motorbiking, snowboarding, and the great outdoors, as well as his dedication to his family and profession as a landscape gardener and tree surgeon.”
Wayne continued that the fund aims not only to provide immediate assistance to Phil’s family but also to facilitate the recovery of outstanding payments for Phil’s work in the area.
The response from Phil’s clients so far has been incredibly supportive, with many coming forward to settle outstanding debts. Phil had just celebrated his 50th birthday and leaves two children, Harrison, age 16, and Scarlett, age 15, who join his friends in being overwhelmed with the level of support and response from his customers.
The group encourages everyone touched by Phil’s life to contribute to the Gofundme, which will be kept updated to provide details of the funeral arrangements for those wishing to pay their respects.
For further information and to contribute to the fundraiser visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/phil-swain-memorial-fund
