A fundraiser to support the family of a Northern Ireland football fan following his sudden death abroad has raised almost £10,000 in just a few days.
Andrew Bonner was a passionate member of the Green and White Army and had attended last month's Nations League games against Kosovo and Greece.
The Fermanagh man, who was a member of Magheraveely Northern Ireland Supporters’ Club, had travelled to Greece for the Nations League match on Tuesday September 27 after attending the home game against Kosovo in Belfast the previous Saturday.
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Andy, 38, was known as an enjoyable fun-loving character who always had a bright smile on his face. He leaves behind him a heartbroken family, friends and a shocked community.
Following his sudden death, members of Magheraveely Northern Ireland Supporters’ Club, a close knit group, wished to help remember Andrew and launched a fundraiser to help his family as they await his arrival home from Athens.
Glenn Keenan, club chairman, said the number of people who have donated money has been outstanding and a wonderful way to remember Andrew.
He told MyFermanagh: "We have around 40 members and are quite a close knit group. Obviously when we heard the word of Andrew it was a massive shock and a huge loss to us all. We decided we wanted to do our bit in his memory and set up the JustGiving page after dialogue with his family.
"At present we have hit just below £10,000 in a week. Numerous donations have came in from individuals, businesses and supporters clubs from across Northern Ireland and also mainland UK.
"The family plan to donate this money to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which has helped the family in their quest to bring him home."
DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Deborah Erskine was among those who offered their condolences.
“This is truly heartbreaking news. Thinking of Andrew’s family and friends who will miss him so much. Sincere condolences to the club and the entire family circle at this sad and difficult time,” she said.
Many other tributes have poured in since Andrew's death from supporters’ clubs across Northern Ireland.
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