FRIENDS of the man who died after being stabbed in Bemerton Heath last month have set up a fundraising page to help with the funeral costs. 

Tsvetomir Genov, 20, died on Tuesday, August 22, the victim of a knife attack which took place in Gainsborough Close, Bemerton Heath. Flowers, cards, and tributes were left at the scene.

At the time of the tragedy, Tsvetomir’s parents Deyan and Antoniya Genov were on holiday in Bulgaria and on their return, they told the Journal that “it is really hurting” and that “unfortunately, no one and nothing will bring our son back and he will be forever 20.”

Read more: Victim named as Tsvetomir Genov

A friend of the family, Yonko Andonov told the Journal: “I knew Tsvetomir and to be honest, I couldn’t believe it. He will be missed by many. No parent deserves to bury their child.”

Tsvetomir was a son, a brother to Mihail and Daniel and a father to a little boy, Freddie.

Yonko said: “I think the family are trying to look forward as they have two other sons and grandchildren to care for.”

Read more: Family thank community for support

The Bulgarian community in the Salisbury area set up a fundraiser on Sunday, September 10 to help the family with the funeral costs.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page is at £2,777 with 163 donations.

Tsvetomir’s funeral will take place in Bulgaria.

Yonko said: “We are looking to reach £6,500 with the fundraiser as that is the cost but if we raise more, it will help with the costs of transporting Tsvetomir back to Bulgaria. There will no doubt be more expenses there.

“We are hoping that the publicity through the Journal will help to boost the funds a little. But whatever people can spare would be great.”

Maurice Jones, 25 of Gainsborough Close, Bemerton Heath was charged with murder in connection with the incident and the trial date is set for Monday, February5 and will take place in Winchester Crown Court.

Tsvetomir’s memorial service will take place at 11am, at St Michael’s Church, on Saturday, September 16.

The family have asked for flowers only at the Memorial Service, but donations can be made in his memory to Darren MacDonald Funeral Directors in Pennyfarthing Street. The proceeds will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

For more information about the fundraiser, go to the GoFundMe website.