Fundraiser launched to help family of Wexford teen after unexpected death

Lee Nolan (16), from Ballymurn, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 13.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by colleagues of his mum Caroline to aid the family in covering Lee's funeral expenses

Cathriona and Maureen of Home Instead Wexford, who set up the fundraiser on Tuesday, asked people to light a candle for the Wexford teen on Friday, May 20.

They wrote in a tribute: "As colleagues of our beloved caregiver, Caroline Nolan, who recently buried her beautiful son, Lee Nolan at the age of 16, we are asking everyone to light a candle in his memory this Friday, May 20.

"Lee was a wonderful young man who touched the lives of those around him.

"Besides his parents, he leaves behind his siblings Natasha, Aaron and Zoe, grandmothers, brothers-in-law and extended family.

"Lee always enjoyed being with his best friends Kailen, Nathan, Chloe and Kevin and always stuck up for those who needed it.

"He was incredibly kind and a natural protector.

"He will be missed by all his friends and staff at CBS in Enniscorthy and within the Wexford community.

"When Lee wasn’t in school, he enjoyed his other passions in life, motorbikes, motorbikes, did we mention motorbikes?!?

"Also, cars, music and the outdoors.

"He was a true adventurer and loved his dogs Cali and Lexi to be with him."

The fundraising campaigners said that "all are devastated" by Lee's loss.

They added: "All are devastated by the loss of this fine young man; he leaves behind an enormous void in the hearts of everyone who knew him, especially his mum, Caroline, whom he was very close with.

"Lee, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

"We have started a funeral fundraiser to help cover the cost of Lee’s funeral expenses.

"We would like to contribute to Lee’s heartbroken family to relieve them of any financial burden they may face to enable them to grieve.

"We are reaching out today to ask for your support.

"Please consider donating, as any small amount will truly help the Nolan family during this difficult time."

Thousands of euro have flooded in with €5,455 already raised of a €10,000 goal.

On his RIP.ie page numerous messages have been left including one that described Lee as a “beautiful boy, who seemed to have brought such happiness to so many people, a lovely smile.

"Sympathy to his parents, siblings and extended family on their devastating loss, life is cruel, sometimes. May his gently soul rest in peace", the tribute said.

Another person offered "Sincere condolences to the Nolan Family on your tragic loss, our thoughts are with all of you at this terrible time, may Lee's kind and gentle soul rest in peace."

“My heart breaks for you all at the devastating loss of Lee. May he rest in peace and that the strength and love of family and friends gets you through this heart breaking and difficult time,” another has added.

A Wexford mother has written: "I'm so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. I am praying for you all. May your beautiful son rest in peace.”