Parents pay tribute to son who drowned saving family

Euthlyn and Norris Douglas will travel to Jamaica soon for their son's funeral

The parents of a man who drowned trying to save his family while on holiday in Jamaica have said they want him to be awarded for his bravery.

Remo Douglas, 34, saved his girlfriend, baby and stepdaughter from a surging river after heavy rain on 16 December.

"When I get to the funeral, I don't want to look at him in the casket as that will be with me for the rest of my life," his mother Euthlyn Douglas said.

His father Norris said: "Nobody had a bad word to say about him."

Mr Douglas is due to be buried at the family's plot in Jamaica alongside several relatives.

A crowdfunding appeal for his funeral has so far raised £4,600 to help with costs, but a date has yet to be set for Mr Douglas to be buried.

Remo Douglas drowned along with his girlfriend's niece after the river they were swimming in surged

"The funeral will be big and people will be coming from all over," said Mrs Douglas.

"We won't turn anybody away."

Any surplus from the crowdfunding appeal will go towards Mr Douglas's family.

Mr Douglas was swimming with his family in Jamaica when the river he was in began to surge following heavy rain.

After saving his partner, baby daughter and stepdaughter he went back for his partner's 11-year-old niece, but both of them drowned.

His brother has also paid tribute, saying his actions were "selfless".

'We miss him'

"When I'm left alone, I can't sleep at night," Mrs Douglas said.

"I hardly eat because I don't feel hungry.

"Every time I go on my WhatsApp so many people have him on their profile pictures so I can't escape seeing him.

The family released new photos of Remo as a young boy

"The worst is yet to come, I know I will break down at the funeral," she added.

Mrs Douglas said she wanted him to be remembered for giving his life to save others.

"Everybody misses him," she said.

"I will miss his phone calls. He called at various hours, day and night."