The family of a 45-year-old man who drowned heroically rescuing his daughter have thanked the public for their support.
Father-of-three Paul Doran from Co Kildare died when he saved his 11-year-old who was swept out to sea at Lennox Head in Australia last Wednesday.
In an update, the family said the 45-year-old had “so many plans” and was looking forward to the future before the tragedy happened, reports Irish Mirror.
Read more: PSNI and DfI probe sites of two fatal crashes on same section of M1 motorway
A GoFundMe page was set up to help his wife Simonne and nearly €55,000 has been raised so far.
A message from Paul's family posted on the page said: "It is hard to believe that we have lost Paul, and under such traumatic circumstances. He was so looking forward to the future and had so many plans for his family. If you are a parent, or have children in your life, then you know exactly what we mean when we say Paul wanted the best for his kids.
"He valued their education, playing sports and being involved in different activities, but also spending time together as a family. Which is exactly what they were doing that evening when he lost his life saving them.
"Paul and Simonne found a lovely house to rent in Australia, with good schools nearby and a short commute to work so they could prioritise family time.
"They were a two income family, paying rent, bills and schooling. Your care and kindness is safeguarding the future Paul wanted for his family. Your support is helping with a funeral service in Australia and at home in Ireland, and will ensure Paul's family can afford flights home to do this and be surrounded by friends and family who knew and loved Paul."
It added: "Paul and Simonne's families are doing their best to support Simonne and the kids, but it all adds up quickly and we just want to give the kids routine and stability over the next few months and for their mum not to be forced into making difficult decisions.
"We want those kids to have the life that Paul dreamed for them and worked hard for."
To donate or visit the GoFundMe page, CLICK HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Police appeal for missing 13-year-old girl last seen in Belfast
- Craigavon Bridge incident: PSNI release statement after body recovered
- Belfast Stena ship incident sees 68 firefighters called to scene at ferry terminal
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
