A FUND SET up on Monday to help bring an Irish man killed in Australia home has already raised thousands of euro.
Jamie Peppard (23) died in hospital on Monday after he fell from scaffolding while working in Perth in western Australia on 13 November.
The young man, originally from Laytown Co Meath, had emigrated to Australia last year and was living with his brother and working as a labourer when the accident happened.
Following the news, friends and family set up a fundraising page in order to pay to have his remains repatriated to Ireland.
“Jamie is so lucky to have had so many wonderful friends, family and strangers who are able to help his family through this tragic event,” reads a statement on the page.
“The funds will be used to assist the family in getting Jamie to his final resting place.”
So far, the page has raised over €7,000 in less than two days, smashing its initial target of €2,000.
Remains
The family have decided to cremate Jamie’s remains in Perth in order to “allow those there to say goodbye” and fly his ashes back to Meath.
They are being assisted by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which helps Irish families bring home the remains of loved ones who have died abroad. The family have said that they will put any excess money they make back into the Trust.
Jamie’s sister Helena expressed her gratitude to everyone who had donated to the campaign on a post on Facebook:
“Our family would like to thank everyone for the donations and sharing that has gone into this.
“Jamie was the most wonderful best friend, brother, uncle, son, nephew and cousin and will be unbelievably missed.”
Anyone looking to donate money can visit the Gofundme page here
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