A WEST Cork community has rallied to support a young family after the tragic death of a dad-of-three.

Gideon Callum passed away suddenly on May 29th leaving behind his heartbroken partner and three young sons, aged 13, nine and two.

The 36-year-old from Clonakilty was remembered as a ‘larger than life character, full of energy and enthusiasm and positivity and mischievous fun’.

A cremation service was held for the young dad at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. And donations have poured in after friends set up a fundraiser to help his heartbroken family.

His partner Katharine Kohler said: ‘This week we lost the father of my children suddenly and unexpectedly. Hearts are broken and two little families are left with no dad for the rest of their lives. There are no words for how much he will be missed and what he will miss as a result…’

The fundraiser had almost reached its target of €14,000 to help the family with funeral costs less than a week after it was launched.

Thanking people for their kindness Katharine said: ‘We are deeply touched and blessed by your generosity. The shock is palpable. And in the midst of grief lies the cost of something no one is ready to pay for.

‘I would love to ease the pain of his parents in one way by helping to pay for the expenses of the funeral.’

She continued: ‘Lets tell the people we love them when they are still here and reach out to those we know [who] might be struggling at this complex thing called life. Thank you for the community’s outpouring of love and support so far in this difficult time.’

To support visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/gideon-cullum