Heartbroken community sets up fundraiser to support family of Culdaff's 'bright light' Lewis Kelly
A fundraiser has been set up by the Inishowen community to support the family of a much-loved young Culdaff man, who sadly passed away earlier this week.
Eighteen-year-old Lewis Kelly, a keen sportsman and hugely popular member of his community, passed away peacefully in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin surrounded by his loving family.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Since Lewis’ untimely death, the community in Culdaff, Malin,Glengad & Gleneely and further afield across Inishowen – including in Carndonagh Community School, in which he was a student – have been paying tribute to a ‘gentle giant,’ whose whose ‘bright light’ has been taken far too soon.
A fundraiser has now been set up by the local community, to support Lewis’ family amidst their unimaginable grief and loss and to also honour an adored young man.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, ‘Honouring Lewis – A Community's Love,’ a spokesperson said: “Our dear friends, Hugh and Michelle, tragically lost their beloved son Lewis and our hearts are broken for them, his brothers Quinn and Regan, his sister Zevagh and all the family.
“Lewis' untimely passing has left the communities of Malin, Culdaff, Glengad & Gleneely devastated. Our communities wish to come together to support the Kelly family while they cope with this heartbreaking moment in their lives.
“We are raising funds to help with funeral expenses and everyday costs during this difficult time.
"Our hope is to ease some of the financial burden so that the family can focus on caring for each other while grieving the loss of Lewis.
“Any contribution, big or small, will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping the Kelly family in your thoughts.
“We thank you for your support and for honouring the memory of Lewis,”
In just 20 hours, the fundraiser has raised over €37,000 by Thursday evening, from over 600 donations.
You can support the fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honouring-lewis-a-communitys-love
Lewis will be laid to rest following 2pm Requiem Mass in St Patrick's Church, Aughaclay on Saturday, May 9, followed by burial in Lagg graveyard.
Requiem Mass can be viewed live on Eamonn McLaughlin Funeral Director's Facebook Page.
Family time from 10pm to 11am and on the morning of the Funeral.
His family have asked for family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Richmond ICU Beaumont Hospital C/O any family member or Eamonn McLaughlin Funeral Director.