A fundraiser to support the heartbroken family of a young mother who died just hours after attending a wedding in Carlow has raised more than triple its goal so far.
Mum-of-three Kirsty Connor died suddenly on the night of Saturday, March 12 after travelling from the UK to Ireland to attend a wedding with her husband.
Her husband Niall told of his heartbreak after his wife of 10 years passed away “unexpectedly” leaving behind their children Robyn, four, Darcy, three, and 22-month-old Sonny.
READ MORE: Shock as young mum dies unexpectedly just hours after being ‘life of the party’ at Irish wedding
He made a heartfelt plea to the public for help getting her remains home as he launched an online fundraiser.
Within just two days, more than 1,000 people have donated €30,000 - smashing the €10,000 goal.
Niall explained how his “beautiful” wife of 10 years died “unexpectedly” on what was the pair’s “first night out in so long”.
He wrote: "I married my beautiful wife Kirsty 10 years ago this year and have spent 16 amazing years with her. We had 3 children together. Robyn (4), Darcy (3) & Sonny (22 months).
“We live in the UK. We came to Ireland on Saturday the 12th of March for my cousin’s Kate’s wedding. My wife unexpectedly died that night. We were supposed to go home to our babies Sunday morning.
“It was our first night out in so long. She was the life of the party that night but she was the sunshine in my life, everyday for 16 years."
He added that while he is “not the one to do this type of thing”, as a widower and single dad he “needs all the help he can get”.
“As many of you know, I am not one to do this type of thing but now as a widower and a single dad I need all the help I can get to cover the costs of having her in Ireland, brought back home to the UK and the funeral expenses there too. Anything at all will help.”
He went on to thank everyone for the kind calls and messages and paid another touching tribute to his wife.
“Kirsty was loved so much and touched so many people’s hearts,” he said.
The heartbreaking story has touched hundreds of people, who have donated over €30,000 so far.
One anonymous donor gave €1,000.
“What a loss. A beautiful girl, wife and mother. Thoughts and prayers with the family,” one person wrote alongside a donation.
Another said: “Such a lovely girl, met her as she was at our dinner table at the wedding. Thoughts and prayers with all the family in this sad time.”
A third added: “Kirsty beautiful inside and out. A shining star, shine bright. Sending love to Niall and their beautiful babies. Thinking of your lovely mum. Sending love and hugs.”
You can donate via Niall’s Go Fund Me page HERE.
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