Community
Fundraiser for Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in honour of Limerick lady Amanda Benn
Amanda Benn pictured above is a beloved Limerick lady who had been living in Melbourne, Australia since 2016
The funds will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in Australia who helped to bring Amanda home
By I Love Limerick’s Richard Lynch
Beloved Limerick lady Amanda Benn recently passed away suddenly in Australia. Amanda was always a hugely popular person who was known and loved by so many, as the life and soul of every party, event, and gathering. Amanda has been living in Melbourne, Australia since 2016, and passed away suddenly at the end of November.
In memory of Amanda, two GoFundMe pages, one set up in Limerick and one in Australia, will raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in Australia, which aim to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland. The organisation has helped to bring Amanda home from Australia to Limerick for the funeral, and offered the family support through the process.
A beautiful, fun-spirited friend, Amanda always had a huge smile for everyone, was a big animal lover, and had a huge heart. Amanda was always there for anyone who needed her. Now it’s time for the Limerick community to come together and be there for her loved ones during this sad time.
Her friend Lisa Daly is the Chairperson and Festival Director of Limerick Pride who knew Amanda for over 20 years. Lisa was devastated when she heard the news and set up the GoFundMe Limerick page. Lisa said, “Absolutely anything you can contribute, no matter how large or little, would be very much appreciated. In times like this when you lose someone special who has impacted the lives of so many, especially at this time of the year, its incredibly hard and I wanted to make sure Amanda’s family are supported as much as possible. I would just like to take this moment to say a massive thank you for the overwhelming support shown to the GoFundMe accounts, both here and in Australia which were set up in Amanda’s memory. Both fundraising accounts combined are currently at just over an overwhelming 13k, we are all blown away with your generosity, so thank you! Amanda’s family are very touched, and have said they are very grateful for all the support and love.”
Lisa added, “Now more than ever before, we all know someone who has left Ireland and is living in Australia. If unfortunately something similar happens to someone you know, this organisation is there to help them. They offer invaluable support to families at a very stressful and sad time. All donations made to both GoFundMe accounts will go directly to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to help raise funds and continue the work of this amazing organisation.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Amanda.
Donate to Amanda Benn fundraiser