A fundraiser has been set up to go towards the funeral costs of an Armagh dad-of-two who passed away suddenly over the weekend.
Paul McGuinness, who was just 26-years-old, died on Saturday (December 16).
A father of two young childrenm, Paul is due to be buried on Wednesday (December 20), the date of his son’s first birthday.
He was also the partner of Page and the loving son of Sandra, Sam, stepson of Kevin, dear brother of Barry, Sammy-Jo, Kirsty, Che and Demileigh and the beloved grandson of Kathleen, Tony and the late Kevin.
The GoFundMe appeal – set up by family friend Molly-May Lappin – has already surpassed over £2,000, with money still pouring in.
She set up the fundraiser with permission from the family, to help with the costs towards Paul’s funeral.
In the GoFundMe listing, she wrote: “As everybody knows, with the cost of living the price of everything has sky rocketed. With just a week until Christmas, the McGuinness/Lendrum family has been hit with the tragic loss of their son/brother.
“Any donation will be greatly appreciated and all proceeds will go towards giving Paul the beautiful send off he deserves!”
Speaking to Armagh I, Molly-May says she can’t believe how much money has been raised in such a short space of time.
“There’s nearly £2,000 there and to be honest, I wasn’t even expecting it. It was just a wee something to help towards the costs,” she said.
“The outcome has been absolutely amazing and the community has really pulled together to raise funds.”
She adds that the news of Paul’s passing was “so unexpected”.
She explained: “It’s hard, but I think it’s even harder because it was so unexpected…
“I grew up around Paul and his family and was very close to his sister Demileigh. He was always smiling, he was really popular and he had loads of friends. He was just 26, so still quite young.
“To watch any family go through this struggle so close to Christmas is terrible, but when it’s a family who you’ve known for years, have loads of memories with, it just hits different.
“I want to try and make these last few days with Paul as stress free as possible for his family. They have been through so much and despite it all they still have the biggest hearts and would reach a hand out If needed.”
A death notice states that Paul’s remains will repose at his home, 49 Mullacreevie Park, Armagh. His funeral on Wednesday will go from his home to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for 11.00am Mass, with burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
He is very deeply regretted by his sorrowing daughter, son, partner, mother, father, stepfather, sisters, brothers, grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, family circle and friends.
All further enquiries to JJ McArdle & Sons: 028 3752 2480. Donations to the appeal can be made through GoFundMe.
Obituary: The death has occurred of Paul McGuinness (Armagh)
