A fundraising cycle is setting off from Donegal today in memory of a great colleague, father and friend.
A group of 10 cyclists are leaving the Council Offices in Donegal Town this Friday 29th July to make their way to the Council Offices in Ennis, Co. Clare for Sunday afternoon, to raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in memory of Mayo man, William (Willie) Freney.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is very close to the hearts of those taking part in the cycle, as in August 2019, they played a major part in bringing Willie home to Ireland after he passed away tragically while on holidays with his young family in Spain.
Willie was only 49 years of age, a loving father to Conor and Kyla, loving husband to Catherine, beloved son, brother and uncle and a dear friend to all he met.
Willie had spent over 20 years working with Donegal County Council, living in Ballybofey and Convoy during those times. He had relocated to Clare County Council’s offices in Ennis a short number of years prior to his passing. He loved to keep fit; cycling and running were a big part of his life and something he looked forward to. It is for this reason that a cycle was chosen as a memorial event. Willie would have a big smile on his face watching the cyclists struggling as they head down the road to Clare!
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body of a loved one who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland. They completely took over the organisation of bringing Willie home to Ireland and took the immense pressure of repatriation from his family’s shoulders. We are forever indebted to them for their support during that very difficult time.
All funds raised in Willie’s memory will go directly to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. To date more than €17,000 has been raised. Willie’s family are incredibly grateful to each and every person who has made a donation, as they know the funds raised will help another family in a difficult situation in the future.
If you can help the fundraising effort by donating whatever you can, please click the link below and use the Donate button on the webpage. All donations are processed securely: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11431016_william-freney-memorial-cycle.html