A FUNDRAISER set up to help with the funeral expenses for Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe has raised over £60,000 in less than 24 hours.
The community rallied together to search for Noah when he was reported missing last Sunday evening, and that sense of community has made a reappearance following the tragic discovery of his body.
A family friend set up the fundraiser, which features a photograph of a smiling Noah with his mother, Fiona.
Noah with his mother (GoFundMe)"The friends of Noah Donohoe’s family are today devastated to learn of the discovery of Noah’s body," a message on the fundraiser states.
"As a small measure of support we have set up a Go Fund Me page to assist with the funeral expenses. We acknowledge that the family has requested that they are given time and space at this time. You can pledge your support by donating here."
The fundraiser initially had a £40,000 target, but the fund has already far surpassed its goal as people from across Ireland and beyond, who were all praying for the teenager to be found alive, donated money to support Noah's family.
"My heart is breaking for the Donohoe family," one donor wrote on the message board. "R.I.P Noah, the by who united a country. Belfast will never forget you wee man."
The Belfast community has been in mourning since Noah's body was discovered by police in a storm drain on Saturday morning on the sixth day of the search.
Police believe his death was a tragic accident and there is no indication of foul play.
A candlelit vigil was held in Noah's memory yesterday evening at 6.11pm, the last time the teenager was seen alive.Yesterday evening, people from across Belfast came together to hold a candlelit vigil in his memory one week after he was last seen.
The vigil commenced at 6:11pm- the exact time Noah was last seen alive.
In a statement following the tragic discovery, Noah's family described the popular teenager as a "very special" boy who enjoyed a "special bond" with his loving mother, Fiona.
“Noah’s mummy always told him that he would change the world.
"He was very special. It’s very hard to do justice or honour the extraordinary relationship Noah and his mummy shared. In his 14 years, his mummy got so much from their special bond, he taught his mummy so much.
"They were each other’s world."
To donate towards Noah Donohoe's funeral expenses, you can visit the GoFundMe page here.
May he rest in peace.
