A fundraiser set up for a young Irish nurse who died unexpectedly in Australia has received an overwhelming response, raising over €50,000 in just a few hours, reports The Mirror.
Marie Claire Rogers tragically passed away in a Sydney hospital last Monday at the age of 23. She had only recently arrived in Australia to visit her sister Heather, who was spending a year there with friends.
Reports indicate the newly qualified nurse began to feel unwell on Friday and saw a doctor. Her health deteriorated rapidly over the weekend, reports The Mirror.
Marie Claire, a ladies footballer from County Louth, was rushed to hospital for emergency care, but despite efforts to treat her, her condition worsened, and she sadly died on Monday morning.
Her parents, Andrew and Mary, were en route to Australia to be by her side but heartbreakingly didn’t arrive before her passing, reports The Mirror.
A GoFundMe campaign has now been set up in Marie Claire’s memory to help cover the cost of her family and boyfriend’s travel to Australia, and to support them in bringing her home, along with covering other unexpected expenses.
“As many of you know, our beloved Marie Claire Rogers tragically passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Australia,” reads a message on the fundraising page written by a family member. This GoFundMe page has been created for those who would like to support with travel costs for her family and boyfriend as they accompany Marie Claire on her final journey home to Ireland, and help them navigate the many unexpected challenges that come with such an overwhelming loss,” reports The Mirror.
Marie Claire had played Gaelic football with her local club Naomh Fionnbarra. Her father is also well-known in the community as a ladies football referee. The club paid tribute to her in a touching message shared on social media.
In a statement published on Facebook Naomh Fionnbarra said: “Our club and community are beyond shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our cherished club member and friend Marie Claire Rogers in Sydney, Australia. As her many friends, team mates, and colleagues come to terms with the devastating news, we offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the extended Rogers and Osbourne families both at home and abroad. As a mark of respect to Marie Claire and her family, all club activities are suspended until 12 noon on Wednesday. Marie Claire’s passing has brought a wave of sorrow and grief across the community. Offers and messages of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated,” reports The Mirror.
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