A community fundraiser to help a tragic mother and child killed in a horrific road crash in Co Donegal this week has reached its goal – in less than a day.
Natalie McLaughlin and her daughter Ella, 6, died following a collision between a car and a van at Glentogher, Carndonagh on Wednesday evening last, July 2nd.
Natalie’s partner Tyrone and the couple’s two-year-old child Rhea Rose both also suffered serious injuries in the horrific incident.
A community fundraiser to support Natalie’s family and to support Tyrone and Rhea Rose was set up yesterday.
The fundraiser, entitled ‘Honouring Natalie & Ella – A Community’s Love’ set a target of €20,000 but has already surpassed that number through hundreds of kind donations.
Organisers of the fundraiser paid tribute to the “beloved” mother and daughter.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved Natalie McLaughlin and her darling young daughter Ella, following a road traffic collision.”
“Natalie, a beautiful and vibrant young mother from Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, and her precious little girl touched the lives of so many with their warmth, love, and joy,” they wrote.
“In this time of unimaginable loss, we as a community — both near and far — wish to come together to wrap our arms around the McLaughlin family. This page has been set up to show our heartfelt love, support, and solidarity with them during the most difficult days of their lives.”
“No words can ease the pain, but through our collective kindness and generosity, we hope to offer some comfort and practical support to help the family in the days ahead.”
“Thank you for your support, prayers, and love.”
Natalie and Ella will be laid to rest tomorrow in their native Carndonagh.
Natalie, who was in her 20s, was a much-respected nurse in a local surgery in Carndonagh while little Ella was a senior infant pupil at St Patrick’s Girls National School, also in Carndonagh.
Their funeral mass will take place at 12pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Carndonagh followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Natalie and Ella are being waked today at the home of Natalie’s parents Joanne and Danny McLaughlin, Church Road, Carndonagh.
The public has been invited to pay their respects from 1-9pm and the heartbroken family have asked that all other times remain private including the morning of the funeral.
In their obituary notice, Natalie and Ella are described as the “much loved mother and sister of Rhea-Rose and cherished daughter and granddaughter of Joanne and Danny and adored sister and niece of Lara, Tiarnan and Ryan.”
“Deeply regretted and sadly missed by their grandparents and great grandparents, Lynn and Anthony Noone and Margaret and Hugh McLaughlin, Natalie’s partner Tyrone, nieces and nephews, wider family circle, friends and neighbours.”
“May Ella and Natalie Rest In Eternal Peace.”
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser please log onto https://www.gofundme.com/f/honouring-natalie-ella-a-communitys-love
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