Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis<\/p>\n
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
More than \u00a340,000 has been raised for the family of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday after a Windrush campaigner launched a fundraising drive in his memory.<\/p>\n
Prof Arday had resigned from his post as the professor of sociology of education last week after allegations of plagiarism were made against him.<\/p>\n
He was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday following reports that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.<\/p>\n
On Saturday afternoon, campaigner Sir Patrick Vernon launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe, which has received more than 1,400 donations and raised more than \u00a340,000.<\/p>\n
Writing on the crowdfunder\u2019s webpage, Sir Patrick paid tribute to the \u201cpioneering\u201d academic.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI was one of the people who publicly supported Jason during the recent controversy because I was deeply concerned about the nature and intensity of the attacks directed towards him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was also subject to media scrutiny for signing the letter of support and challenged in supporting Jason.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing his death, my immediate concern is now for Jason\u2019s family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am therefore establishing this fund to help contribute towards funeral, memorial and associated family costs and to provide practical support during an unimaginably difficult period.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organisation Stand Up To Racism has announced plans for a vigil in Prof Arday\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n
It will be held on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, central London, at 6pm on Monday.<\/p>\n
The group\u2019s co-convenor, Weyman Bennett, said in a statement: \u201cJason Arday\u2019s death is a tragedy \u2013 but make no mistake, it was the result of a racist witch hunt.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor more than a week, the right-wing press, politicians and the far right have hounded Jason with the most vicious racism.<\/p>\n