Memorial service to be held for Nicholas Parsons who was killed volunteering in Ukraine
A memorial service for an Australian who died volunteering with a humanitarian and mine clearance charity in Ukraine will be held this week.
Nicholas Parsons, 28, was working in the country's war-torn east with Prevail Together, a US and UK-based group that sends volunteers into Ukraine.
He was killed alongside the charity's co-founder Chris Garrett, as well as another team member who was severely injured in an incident near Izyum on May 6.
Mr Parsons heartbroken friends have been raising money to help his family 'give him the send off he deserves' at a service in Townsville on Thursday.
Lachie Romer organised the fundraiser, which has seen people donate more than $22,000, saying on the tribute page they had lost their beautiful mate far too soon.
'It still doesn't feel real, and it's hard to find the right words to say,' he said.
'Nic was one of those people you just loved being around — always up for a laugh, always there when you needed him, and someone who made life better just by being in it.
'Let's come together and do this for Nic — for the good times, the laughs, and the memories we'll never forget. Rest easy, legend. We'll miss you forever.'
A funeral will be held for Mr Parsons at the Morley Funeral Home, followed by a wake at the Townsville RSL.
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