A fundraiser to help the family of a Gilford man ‘fighting for his life’ in Australia has raised over £27,000, less than 24 hours after it was launched.
Conor Molloy’s family have already travelled from Northern Ireland to Australia to be at the 23-year-old’s bedside, where he is in a coma.
It has been reported that Conor was an electrician by trade, and had been working in Australia for the past two years.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was launched by Gilford Amateur Boxing Club on Wednesday morning, and within a matter of hours, more than £1,000 had been raised.
By Thursday morning, however, the fundraising amount currently stood at over £27,500.
The appeal has been shared widely on social media, including by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.
In a post on Facebook, she said: “I am reaching out to our community to ask for support for Conor Molloy, a young man from our constituency (Gilford), who is fighting for his life in Australia.
“Conor is currently in a coma, facing unimaginable challenges. His family has flown out to be by his side, but they now face the enormous financial burden of living and medical costs during this difficult time so far from home.”
She added: “Conor’s family needs our help. Every donation—no matter the amount—will help ease the financial strain on his loved ones, allowing them to focus on supporting Conor in his fight to recover.
“I encourage anyone who is able to contribute to please consider donating. Let’s come together as a community to show Conor and his family that they are not alone.”
Conor is understood to have been a keen sportsman in the area, and a number of clubs and local community groups have taken to social media to offer their support.
Friends of St John’s Primary School, Gilford, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to our past pupil Conor and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time. St. John pray for him.”
Portadown Rugby Football Club added: “Conor is a friend of many and has relatives at the Club.
“This GoFundMe will help Conor’s family at this tragic time so please give what you can.”
The fundraiser was also shared by Gilford Young Conquerors Flute Band, who said: “Gilford Young Conquerors hold a great value for all things related to Gilford and its community. We hope by sharing this post it can reach a wider audience.”
Tullylish GAC said: “Your prayers are asked to help for Conor Molloy who is currently in a coma in Australia, his family have been in touch to ask that we remember Conor in our prayers that he makes a full recovery.
“Please remember Conor and his family at this most difficult time.”
Gilford Crusaders Football Club added: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone involved with Gilford Crusaders are with the family of our former player Conor Molloy who is currently fighting for his life in Australia.
“Please keep Conor’s family in your thoughts at this difficult time.”
You can donate to Conor’s appeal by visiting the GoFundMe page here.
