Offaly GoFundMe campaign for family of 9 children reaches huge target
An Offaly Go-Fund-Me campaign launched for an Offaly family after the sudden death of a father and husband left behind 9 children has raised a staggering €50,000 in just over a week.
The campaign has received a host of donations, the largest of which was €1,000 from Clara Town FC.
By early this week, 677 donations had been received.
Paul Byrne from Ballicknahee, Clara passed away unexpectedly on August 24th. He was formerly of Bolart, Clara.
Writing on the GoFundMe platform, Michelle Monaghan from Clara said: “While they are trying to come to terms with an unimaginable loss, Gillian is also facing a very difficult reality; Paul was the sole income earner for their family.
“With Gillian's blessing, I have created this fundraiser in the hope that we, as friends, neighbours and the wider community, can come together and help carry some of the financial burden that has suddenly fallen on her shoulders.
“Because the harsh reality is that everyday life doesn't stop for grief.
“Rent and household bills continue to fall due. Food still needs to be put on the table. The younger children are returning to school, bringing all the usual expenses of a new school year, and the everyday costs of raising a large family continue,” Michelle outlined.
“Gillian has had no opportunity to financially prepare for the sudden loss of the family's sole income. Alongside grieving the loss of her partner, she is now faced with keeping their home and family going without the income they depended upon,” she added.
“We cannot take away their grief. We cannot change what has happened. But together, we can help ease some of the financial worry and give Gillian and the children some much-needed breathing space as they navigate the difficult weeks and months ahead,” Michelle added.