€14,000 raised on behalf of Wexford family whose son died in Italy – ‘The Kevin Bell Trust helped us in our darkest moments’

David and Josephine Power were informed that their beloved son Ronan has passed away in tragic circumstances in Italy. Stricken with grief, they boarded a plane and began the process of trying to get their son's remains home. A difficult process with a considerable amount of red tape, they were unsure what to do.

Like many other families, they enlisted the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which provides vital practical and financial support when families are faced with the devastating task of bringing home loved ones who have passed in sudden or tragic circumstances abroad.

"The Kevin Bell Trust supported us in bringing Ronan, our son/brother, back home after his tragic passing in Italy," the Power family noted.

"Their advice and guidance were invaluable during this heart breaking time, helping us get Ronan back to Wexford.

"As we remember Ronan, we want to thank the Kevin Bell Trust for their kindness and help and we'd ask that people please consider supporting them so that they can continue to help other families in their darkest moments".

Ronan's family were delighted to be present as a cheque for €14,300 was handed over to the trust – money raised through a "Swtich 'n Bitch" fundraiser at Coast Hotel in Rosslare Strand.

The novel fundraiser saw participants bring along some high-end, nearly new fashion items and swap, socialise and enjoy a glass of bubbly for a great cause.

"We absolutely couldn't have asked for better," one of the organisers Phyllis McCarthy said.

"We certainly didn't expect to raise so much. It just goes to show what you can achieve when you put your mind to it. I think people really identified with the cause and the Power family and we were delighted to be able to hand over the cheque for €14,300."

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was founded in 2013 following the passing of Kevin Bell, aged 26, in New York. Since then, the organisation has repatriated 1,959 loved ones to their families from all over the world.