A prayer vigil for a young man who lost his life in Ramsgate this month has been held at the town’s Salvation Army citadel.
The body of Martin Pacan, 20, was recovered from Ramsgate harbour on September 10 after emergency services received a concern for welfare report.
The service was arranged by Ramsgate mayor Cllr Raushan Ara to pay respects to Martin and all the vulnerable people lost over the past few months.
The vigil was attended by Martin’s family and friends, along with Cllr Helen Whitehead, Cllr Becky Wing, Cllr Raushan Ara, and Rabbi Cliff and Helena Cohen.
Cllr Ara said: “I would like to thank Carl Whitewood and his wife Heather, for conducting and hosting the ceremony.
“Everyone present lit a candle in memory of all those people who died in Thanet over the last few months, and wrote a message of condolence, which Carl will make into a montage and will gift to Martin’s family.”
My condolences to Martin’s family. He and his brother used to call in at Open Church mornings in Cliftonville occasionally until they moved to Ramsgate. He studied at Hartsdown Academy but had homeless periods where we would see him on the street and needy. A vulnerable young man and so young. How he ended up in the harbour water we will never know. God bless you Martin, rest in peace.
Martin is fondly remembered by staff of Hartsdown Academy who had the pleasure of working with him when he attended the school. A gentle, polite young man.
Condolences to his family. RIP Martin
Its a shame no one invited the staff and residents at his home, or his friends and teachers at college.
Martin was a lovely boy who I had the pleasure of teaching whilst at Hartsdown Academy. He would light up a room with his big smile and was always polite and friendly. I have very fond memories of him and am sending all my love to his family at this terrible time.