Dr Ross Thomas, who grew up near Brading Roman Villa - an inspiration for his highly regarded career in archaeology - has tragically passed away at age 44. A GoFund Me Appeal has been set up to support his young family
Chairman of the Villa Trust says they are “delighted to have Ross as a trustee given his wealth of archaeological experience in the field, his work at the British Museum and his personal links with Brading and the Isle of Wight"
It costs Brading Roman Villa £740 a day to care for the building and their collection of artefacts. Without support from ticket sales, donations, visits to the shop and cafe, they're facing a huge challenge to stay open after the crisis