Orphaned Children Have Home Bought for Them After Strangers Donate $400k

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By Gerrard Kaonga

US News Reporter

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Four children from Ireland, who recently became orphans, have been able to buy their family home thanks to the generosity of strangers.

Patrick, 21, Jack, 14, Andrew, 8, and Conor, 5, lost both their parents to cancer in the space of a few months, according to their GoFundMe Page.

Their mother, Elaine Clifford, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and died in August 2021. Their father, Padraig Clifford, died five months later in January. Both were from County Kerry in Ireland.

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The GoFundMe page highlighted that after the children's mother's death, Padraig Clifford found it difficult to deal with the loss.

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He was able to do his best to get on with life with the support of friends and family but eventually learned that his own feelings of illness were serious.

"In December 2021 [he learned] that he too had cancer. He was admitted to University Hospital Kerry on January 17th, 2022 and following tests he was diagnosed with aggressive cancer," the initial donation page message read.

"Padraig fought hard to keep his promise to his beautiful wife Elaine to look after their boys but unfortunately lost his battle to cancer eight days later on Tuesday the 25th of January 2022 surrounded by his loving family and friends.

In April, the GoFundMe Page was set up for them by their aunt, Mary Hayes, and their grandfather, James Clifford, to raise funds to allow the boys to purchase their rented home in Milltown.

A recent update on the donation page said that the brothers have been able to purchase the home after €383,3941 ($413,237) was raised from over 13,000 donations.

After the initial goal of €250,000 ($269,342.50) was reached, on May 28 an update was posted on the donation page.

"This house has treasured memories of their parents, Padraig and Elaine, who both passed away from cancer within five months of each other," the update statement read.

"[The four brothers] are humbled and sincerely grateful for the phenomenal generosity their fundraiser has received.

"In the space of a month, the GoFundMe page has raised €379,085 euros with donations from all over the world. It has surpassed all expectations and it is hard to put into words how grateful the Clifford family are.

"The last few months have been extremely difficult for the Clifford boys and they could not have coped without the huge support of their extended family, friends and neighbours.

"They want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their comfort, support, kindness and generosity.

"The monies raised has been put in a trust fund for the boys, it will allow Patrick, Jack, Andrew and Conor purchase their home in Milltown and help with future living and educational costs. Thank you all sincerely for your generosity and kindness, it will never be forgotten."

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