A CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN has been launched to cover the costs of repatriating and burying the body of an Irish father-of-one who drowned in the UK during Storm Callum.
Tullamore native David Dooley, 38, died when he was swept out to sea in Brighton as high winds battered the coast of England on Saturday morning, October 13.
Mr Dooley, known simply as 'Dooley' to friends, first moved to the UK 15 years ago and had been working as a London Underground engineer.
It's understood that the Irishman was socialising with friends in a bar by the coastline shortly before tragedy struck.
Friends of Mr Dooley have now set up an online JustGiving fundraiser to raise £10,000 (€11,410) to bring his body home to Co. Offaly and pay for his funeral.
"Weʼre raising £10,000 to Help out with David Dooley's family with funeral costs," wrote pal Jordan Almey.
Friends have been paying tribute to a man who was swept away in rough seas in Brighton at the weekend
They've described David Dooley as 'lovely'
A justgiving page set up to help pay for his funeral has raised more than two thousand pounds so far #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/hXv2Apl01L
— Sussex News (@HeartSussexNews) October 16, 2018
"Dooley's wish was to be buried in Ireland, so this will help out a lot."
David's former London Underground colleagues and friends from the Windmill Acton pub in west London have made a donation from a collection they had organised.
A tribute on the pub's Facebook page reads: "Our friend David Dooley passed away in a tragic accident in Brighton.
"Lord have mercy on him. RIP David."
Other friends and family left messages of condolences with their donations, with one writing: "There really is nothing I can say, only I hope this helps and please keep me informed about the arrangements.
"Dave was one of a kind and I have many great memories with him."
Another added: "Rest in peace Dave, my old friend. You were definitely one of the good ones. Rock on up there bro."
The fundraising page for Mr Dooley has raised over £2,500 so far.
If you would like to make a donation to the crowdfunding campaign, click here.
