Dukinfield man dies after jumping from window to escape house fire

A Dukinfield father who was critically injured after jumping from a first-floor window to escape a devastating house fire has sadly passed away.

Marek Bonawenturski, 53, died after being taken to hospital following the blaze at his home on Park Road in Dukinfield on September 10th.

Money raised through a fundraiser originally set up to help Marek recover and rebuild his life will now instead be used to repatriate his body to his native Poland and pay for his funeral.

Marek’s close friend Edyta Mickiewicz confirmed his death in an update to the fundraising appeal, saying: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you that Marek has passed away.”

She thanked those who had donated or offered their support, saying their solidarity had given his friends and loved ones “immense strength” during the tragedy.

The fundraiser’s purpose has now changed, with all money already raised, along with any further donations, being dedicated to the costs of taking Marek’s body back to Poland and arranging his funeral so he can be laid to rest among family and loved ones.

More than £5,000 had been raised towards a £10,000 target, according to the appeal’s organisers.

The original appeal was launched after the fire destroyed Marek’s home and possessions.

The blaze broke out at around 4am on September 10th, with several terraced properties on Park Road affected and neighbouring residents evacuated as a precaution.

Five fire engines, from Stalybridge, Ashton, Hollins, Mossley and Hyde, attended the incident alongside an aerial appliance. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle the blaze, with one person, later confirmed to be Mr. Bonawenturski, taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service.

Marek, who worked as a security guard and was a father-of-two, is understood to have escaped the flames by breaking the window of his bedroom and jumping from the first floor. His home was left completely destroyed by the blaze.

The original fundraiser described how Marek had lost his home, belongings, and possessions in the fire, and appealed for help to support him during his recovery.

Friends have continued to appeal for people to support the fundraiser, with any further donations now helping the family and those close to Marek meet the costs of taking him home to Poland and giving him a final farewell.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, with the investigation and inspection of the property ongoing.

Anyone keen to contribute to the fundraiser can do so at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-our-friend-after-the-fire