Two fundraising efforts have raised an incredible sum for a charity that supports families who have had a relative die abroad.
iCare Charity have proudly presented a cheque for £10,000 to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT), following a hugely successful raffle held recently in loving memory of Sean McConville from Collegelands.
On September 10, 2025, at a special handover event, Doreen McConville – Sean’s mother -presented the cheque to Colm from The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
The raffle, organised by iCare, offered supporters the chance to win a trip to New York or £3,000 cash, with every penny raised going directly to support the charity’s vital work.
Speaking at the presentation, Doreen said: “I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for everyone who made this fundraiser possible, held in the loving memory of my son Sean — to Mairead and the team at iCare, and to everyone who bought tickets. Your kindness means the world to us.
“I especially want to thank The Kevin Bell Trust from the bottom of my heart for bringing my baby boy back home from Australia. Your support was the light in our darkest days and we will be forever grateful.”
Sean McConville
Accepting the cheque, Colm from The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust added: “I’d just like to thank Doreen of course, but also all at iCare for a fantastic £10,000 raised in Sean’s memory. This will go to help the next family, because unfortunately, day on day, there is another person who dies abroad.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the generosity of people who fundraise for us and enable us to do what we do. So again, thank you Doreen, and thank you iCare. It’s greatly appreciated.”
iCare is a community-focused charity committed to supporting individuals and families in need and speaking of their chosen charity, and iCare representative said:
“The raffle stands as a testament to Sean’s memory and the generosity of those who supported the cause.
“Every pound raised will go directly to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, ensuring other families receive the same vital support in their most difficult moments.”
For more information about iCare Charity, visit: www.icarecharity.com
In other fundraising efforts, friends of Sean honoured his memory by running the Sydney Marathon and City2Surf Run.
The fundraising efforts saw Paula Kelly and Shea Devlin completing the Sydney Marathon, while Catherine Mullen, Jack McDonald, Kirsty Marshall, James Mullen and Kathy Woodcock took part in the City2Surf Run, all in honour of Sean’s memory. Their collective efforts brought in an extraordinary total of $37,830 AUD for the trust.
Expressing her appreciation, Sean’s mother Doreen McConville said:
“The generosity and compassion shown in Sean’s memory is overwhelming. I especially want to thank The Kevin Bell Trust from the bottom of my heart for bringing my baby boy back home from Australia.
“Your support was the light in our darkest days and we will be forever grateful. I know Sean would be so proud to see his friends and family honouring him in this way.”
Colm from The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust said:
“Fundraisers like this mean everything to us. Unfortunately, day on day there is another person who dies abroad, and without the generosity of people who take part in events like these, we simply couldn’t do what we do.
“We are so grateful to Paula, Shea, Catherine, Kirsty, Cathy, James and Jack for their dedication and support.”
“The Sydney Marathon and City2Surf Run are just some of the ways Sean’s life and spirit continue to inspire acts of kindness across the world.
“Every dollar raised will go directly to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, ensuring other families receive the same vital support in their time of greatest need.”
In Loving Memory of Sean McConville – A Legacy of Love and Support.
