An appeal to help four boys who lost both parents within months of each other has raised more than £320,000 - meaning they can now buy their family home. Relatives said they were "grateful and humbled" by the response.
The GoFundMe campaign, originally aiming to raise €80,000, has now amassed a huge €380,165 - or £320,000 - after almost 13,000 donations from people across the world. The fundraising campaign was launched to ensure the boys, aged from 5 to 21, could continue to live in their rented home, the Irish Mirror reports.
Elaine Clifford died at the end of August - the day before her 41st birthday - shortly after being diagnosed with stage four cancer. Her husband Padraig started to feel unwell weeks later and was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
He died aged 46 on January 25 this year. The couple, from Milltown in Co Kerry, had four sons - Patrick 21, Jack 14, Andrew, 8 and Conor, 5.
The boys, with the help of the public, had hoped to purchase their rented family home in Milltown in order to "secure their future". Money left over after buying the house will be put in trust for them, relatives said.
Mary Hayes said: "The Clifford boy's aunt Mary Hayes and their grandfather James Clifford launched a GoFundMe page on April 27 to raise funds to allow the boys purchase their rented home in Milltown. This house has treasured memories of their parents, Padraig and Elaine, who both passed away from cancer within five months of each other."
She added: "They are humbled and sincerely grateful for the phenomenal generosity their fundraiser has received. In the space of a month, the GoFund me page has raised €379,085 euros with donations from all over the world. It has surpassed all expectations and it is hard to put into words how grateful the Clifford family are.
"The last few months have been extremely difficult for the Clifford boys and they could not have coped without the huge support of their extended family, friends and neighbours.
"They want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their comfort, support, kindness and generosity. The monies raised has been put in a trust fund for the boys, it will allow Patrick, Jack, Andrew and Conor purchase their home in Milltown and help with future living and educational costs. Thank you all sincerely for your generosity and kindness, it will never be forgotten."
The GoFundMe campaign can be viewed here.
