Folajimi Day established to honour River Thames hero

Folajimi Olubumni-Adewole's family described him as "irreplaceable"

The family and friends of a man who died while trying to rescue a woman from the Thames have established an annual day in his honour.

Folajimi Olubumni-Adewole jumped into the river in April 2021 after a woman fell from London Bridge and shouted that she could not swim.

Mr Olubumni-Adewole, who was known as Jimi, was described by a coroner as "a man of courage and determination".

Folajimi Day, 24 April, will focus on selfless actions and helping others.

• Thames rescuer died in act of bravery, inquest told

• 'Thames rescuer Jimi was best of all of us'

• Man dies after jumping in Thames to rescue woman

The woman and another would-be rescuer were saved by the coastguard and the Met Police Marine Unit, but Mr Olubumni-Adewole was not found in time.

His body was recovered about six hours after he disappeared.

Bolajj Olubumni-Adewole said helping others was the best way to honour his brother

A gathering at Cathedral Square in Southwark, where a plaque marks the place Mr Olubumni-Adewole jumped into the river, was held on Wednesday.

Organisers called for people to pledge their time to help others, "whether that is supporting a vulnerable neighbour, supporting a community garden, fundraising for a worthy cause or helping out at a food bank".

Living Bankside, a neighbourhood-improvement charity, has wider plans to dedicate Cathedral Square as a special place for peace and reflection.

The plaque says of Jimi: "May his courage, kindness and positivity be an inspiration to us all"

Joseph Bonner, chair of Living Bankside, said: "May his selfless courage, kindness and positivity be an inspiration to us all. May his selflessness and compassion inspire people to commit themselves to helping others. 

"Let us serve those in need in memory of him."

Mr Olubumni-Adewole's brother Bolajj said: "We hope people will be inspired by his story and will be encouraged to volunteer and be selfless in his name. Helping others is the best way we can honour Folajimi."