West Cork has displayed overwhelmingly generous support by raising over €100,000 for the family of a father of three who tragically died in a workplace accident last month.
Beginning with a modest target of €1,000, a GoFundMe page was set up for Steve Thomas' wife and three kids in Bantry, who have been left devastated by his passing almost three weeks ago, reports Cork Beo.
As it stands, the fundraiser has now collected €104,215.
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Steve - father to Fionn, Lillie & Harper - was just 35 years of age when he died in an accident at a premises in Bantry last month.
The fundraiser was set up by local woman Emma O'Sullivan. There have so far been over 1,300 donations, not just from the people of West Cork, but also from people around the globe.
There was great support from the Bantry Blues GAA club, for whom Steve had played in the past and remained a "great supporter". The club closed for a day as a mark of respect.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Emma O'Sullivan said: "Hi everyone, as you all know our beloved friend Steve Thomas passed away tragically on Tuesday 19th March. We are setting up this go fund me to support his loving partner Caroline and his beautiful & cherished three little children, Fionn, Lillie & Harper in the days, weeks and months ahead.
"There is nothing in this world that could ease the pain of losing someone like Steve, we just hope that we can help alleviate the financial burden for his beautiful & adored little family. So many people have asked what they can do to help, so instead of spending money on flowers etc, we believe this would be a fitting way for the community in bantry and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing Steve to contribute in his memory."
She added: "No amount of money will ease the pain of such a devastating loss, however, the support shown by every single one of you will provide comfort to Steve’s family in the difficult times ahead."
Donations can be made here before the page closes down in a few days' time.
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