Fundraiser launched after son of Mayo parents dies tragically in Australia

A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to bring home a young Galway man - whose parents are from Co Mayo - home after he died tragically in Australia.

The heartbroken family of Kevin Ruane from Ballybrit in Galway has launched a fundraising campaign to bring him home after his sudden death in Perth, Australia where he had been living. Kevin's is the son of John and Kathleen, who are from Balla and Achill respectively and he is survived by his sister Aisling and grandparents, Maura Ruane and John O'Donnell and is predeceased by his brother Adrian, his grandad Gerald Ruane (Balla) and grandmother Catherine O’Donnell (Achill).

The Go Fund Me fundraising page entitled 'In Honour Kevin Ruane' was created by members of his family and in just over 24 hours it had raised almost €46,000 as communities in Mayo and Galway and elsewhere rallied behind the Ruane family.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kevin Ruane in Perth Australia, a much loved family member, and loyal friend and colleague,” wrote Barbara Hickey who created the Go Fund Me page.

“We are raising funds to assist with the costs associated with having Kevin brought back home to his devastated family. Our aim is to relieve some of the financial burden on Kevin’s family and to assist with the cost of having his personal belongings brought home.

“Any donations which you might be able to give will be greatly appreciated. Additional funds raised will be donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the Claddagh Association. Many thanks in anticipation,” she concluded.

To make a donation to the campaign visit the link https://www.gofundme.com/f/kevin-ruane