THOUSANDS of people have backed a fundraising appeal to help four young brothers in Co. Kerry buy their family home after their parents passed away within months of each other.
The Clifford brothers – Patrick (21), Jack (14), Andrew (8) and Conor (5) — lost parents Elaine and Padraig just five months apart.
With the boys still living in their rented family home in Milltown, a fundraiser was set up to help them purchase the house outright.
The GoFundMe appeal went live on April 27 with the aim of raising €80,000 to purchase the property.
However, after word of their moving story spread, the fundraiser has now received more than 11,500 donations, raising in excess of €325,000.
The fundraising appeal says that as well as helping purchase the home, the proceeds will also be used to help secure the future of the four boys after their tragic loss.
'Heart-breaking story'
The fundraiser, set up by Mary Hayes, explained how Elaine was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May 2021, passing away just three months later on August 28 at the of 40.
"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,” read the appeal.
However, tragedy struck again when 46-year-old Padraig fell ill himself just months later in December 2021.
After being admitted to University Hospital Kerry on January 17 this year, he was also diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
He sadly passed away just eight days later on January 25.
"This heart-breaking story has touched many people near and far, it has left the community of Milltown in disbelief that this could happen to one family in such a short space of time," added the fundraiser.
Support far and wide
The local community rallied round the brothers following their loss and they have come to their aid once again, as have supporters around the world.
One San Francisco-based firm donated €10,000 to the appeal as the fundraiser smashed its initial target.
However, the sheer volume of donations — almost 12,000 so far — shows just how many people far and wide have been moved to help the siblings.
"The boys now reside in the rented family home in Milltown; this fundraiser is being set up to raise enough money to allow the Clifford boys to purchase their family home and secure their future,” added the appeal.
"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."
If you would like to support the fundraiser for the Clifford brothers, you can do so by clicking here.
