A Ramsgate mum says ‘life will never be the same again’ after her fiancé died when he got into trouble in the sea at Ramsgate on September 18.
Fiona MacDonald says the loss of Jermaine Parara, her partner of nine years and dad to the couple’s six-year-old daughter Mia, has left her devastated.
The Margate Home Bargains worker said: “Our daughter was at school and it was a nice day so we decided to go swimming.
“Jermaine went swimming every day. That day he said he was going in the sea and he was happy. The tide was high but he has been in those waves before and never had a problem.
“I was watching from the café when two other people went in after him. I could see him and then I couldn’t see him so much. I left my bag at the café and ran to the sea as fast as I could to try and save him.
“I called the Coastguard and they told me to stay where I was and not go in the water because it was dangerous and he was near the pier where it gets choppy.
“Within seconds the Coastguard were there and ambulance, fire brigade, (RNLI) rescue boats and a helicopter. A fisherman saw him struggling and threw a ring in the water to try and get him in.
“Then the helicopter found him and he was taken to the ambulance. I wasn’t allowed near the ambulance and they said he was ok but sadly he wasn’t.”
Fiona, 38, travelled to the hospital but once there she was told Jermaine had died.
She said: “He was really healthy, he would swim every day but that day turned into something horrible. I didn’t want it to be true, it was like a dream that I wanted to wake up from.”
Dad-of-three Jermaine moved from London to Ramsgate in 2019 to be with Fiona and his daughter. The former salesman, 46, had been working at Nelson College London (Broadstairs campus) as a student welfare officer although he left that role prior to the tragic incident this month.
Fiona said: “We had been together for nine years, it was love at first sight. He lived in London but then came to Ramsgate in 2019. He loved it here, he loved the feeling of being free.
“He was a loving, caring soul, he was always helping others and was loved by so many.
“He was a free spirit, he loved the sea and the area and he was a speaker who helped people.
“I loved him so much and he was the best dad my daughter could ever have. He was happy, funny, caring. He was my everything.
“That day I lost him and then had to go home and tell my daughter her daddy was not coming home. She knows daddy is an angel but she is angry and wants to know why her daddy.
“Me and him did everything together, we were unstoppable. We were engaged and had plans to get married and have another kid.
“My life will never be the same again.”
On September 18 a large emergency response took place at Ramsgate harbour in a bid to save Jermaine. Ramsgate RNLI, South East Coast Ambulance service, Kent Police, fire service and the Coastguard helicopter were in attendance around 1.50pm. An aircraft from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance also assisted.
Fiona said: “I want to thank all the emergency services for their help and support that day.”
Fiona says she had not been keen on going to the beach that day: “I had a feeling but he said he was going anyway so I went with him. I’m glad I did even with what I saw as if I wasn’t he would have been lost in the sea and no-one would have found him. A dolphin appeared in the sea that day and I think it was trying to help him.”
‘Dearly missed’
Nelson College London vice principal Aleksandra Osiniagova said: “It hurts so much to know that you are gone. You brought so much joy and happiness every day at NCL and it was a great pleasure to work with you.
“I will always remember your great smile, positive and friendly attitude, always being helpful, joyful and full of energy. You will never be forgotten. May your soul rest in peace.”
Broadstairs campus manager Zuzana El Gohari added: “On behalf of all the staff members at the Broadstairs Campus of Nelson College London, I would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Jermaine Parara.
“His presence in our community was greatly valued, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Jermaine was more than just a colleague; he was a kind, thoughtful, and supportive individual who always treated others with warmth and integrity.
“His contributions to our College will not only be remembered professionally, but also for the camaraderie and positivity he brought to every interaction.
“He had a remarkable ability to uplift and inspire those around him, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
“During his time with us, Jermaine’s positivity and genuine concern for the well-being of others enriched our campus environment and fostered a close-knit community spirit, particularly at Broadstairs.
“We will carry his memory forward with immense gratitude for the time we were fortunate to spend with him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
District councillor John Worrow said: “I am both shocked and saddened by the death of my friend Jermaine Parara. He was one of the kindest people.
“He was cheerful and happy go lucky, he was always willing to give advice to people at the gym that we both attended. I send my heartfelt sympathy to his family.”
‘A lovely friend’
Fiona’s friend Vicky Connor has set up a fundraiser to help with funeral costs.
She says: “Jermaine was an incredible partner and dad to his little girl Mia and a lovely friend to those who knew him. He touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and bright spirit, always helped others when he could, he had a heart of gold and was loved by so many,
“This loss has left Fiona and her family and friends heartbroken, as they try to come to terms with this unexpected and painful event, Fiona has been left as a single parent and is struggling to cover the unexpected costs for his funeral.
“I have made a go fund me page to reach out to ask for support to give Jermaine the send off he deserves and to help Fiona and his daughter Mia at this tragic and emotional time.”
