Four young brothers who asked for help buying their family home after both parents died within months of each other have received some good news as a fundraiser has smashed its goal.
Elaine Clifford and her husband Padraig both passed away within six months of each other leaving behind five-year-old Conor and his brothers Andrew, eight, Jack, 14, and Patrick, 21.
Padraig, 46, died in January after battling cancer. His death came just five months after his wife Elaine tragically died from the same illness just one day before her 41st birthday.
The boys faced the possibility of being booted out of their home after their devastating loss, but the big-hearted community of Milltown, Co Kerry has pulled together and raised over €370,000 to ensure the boys can continue to live there.
"This heartbreaking story has touched many people near and far," wrote Mary Hayes, who organised the fundraiser.
"It has left the community of Milltown in disbelief that this could happen to one family in such a short space of time.
"In May 2021 the boys' mum Elaine was diagnosed with stage four cancer. After a short time and a big fight, she lost her battle to cancer on August 28, 2021, leaving behind her heartbroken husband Padraig and her beloved boys.
"Padraig found it very difficult to come to terms with the loss of his soulmate, his amazing wife and mother to their four beautiful boys. Padraig tried to get on with life as best he could with the great help of family and friends who rallied around him.
"Little did Padraig know when he felt unwell in December 2021 that he too had cancer. He was admitted to University Hospital Kerry on January 17, 2022, and following tests he was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
"Any donations to help the Clifford boys reach their goal of owning their own home would be very much appreciated. The Clifford family are extremely grateful for the kindness and generosity they have received during this very difficult time," it reads.
The fundraiser has smashed its €250,000 goal with €370,000 raised of Saturday morning.
More than 12,000 people have chipped in. The largest donation to date is €10,000 from MK Pipelines Incorporated, based in San Francisco.
Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundMe campaign can do so here.
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