'We're in shock': Fundraiser in memory of Laois father raises €10k in one week

The family of a Laois man who sadly passed away in 2023 have been 'floored' by the response to their fundraiser in his memory.

Anthony Walsh sadly passed away following a stroke in December 2023, leaving behind his wife Irene and three children Ellen, Laura and Tony.

The Portlaoise family will skydive this August to raise funds for the Portlaoise ambulance service and Tallaght hospital's Stroke Unit.

Pictured: Laura Walsh with her father Anthony, who sadly passed away in 2023

"Dad is originally from St Brigid's in Portlaoise, Dad was one of eight children in the house," his 21 year old daughter Laura told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"He met our Mam and had the three of us kids, we all were the loves of his life," she said.

Anthony was a very active person, regularly cycling and mountain climbing with his wife Irene.

"In December of 2023, he had a stroke. Mam rushed him into Portlaoise hospital, she met the ambulance service and they were incredible, they really put her at ease," Laura explained.

Pictured: Tony, Ellen and Anthony at Ellen's 21st Birthday party

"Dad was transferred to Tallaght's Stroke Unit, and they did absolutely everything they could have done for him. He sadly passed away, and as a family, we want to give back in honour of his memory," she said.

The money raised will go directly to the two chosen causes. 

Mother Irene, eldest daughter Ellen (22), Laura (21) and the youngest child Tony (18) will skydive this August to fundraise in Anthony's memory.

The family have been shocked with the outpour of support, raising over €2,000 within the fundraisers first three hours.

"We really need to thank everyone, the whole community have been behind us," Laura said.

Pictured: Irene Walsh with her husband Anthony

"Not just through the fundraising, they have supported us all through this in general over the past two years. We want to thank everyone who has donated, I've had people from college donating, and people all across Laois and other counties.

"The scary thing about it, is it could happen to anyone, anyone could be in our shoes. We never expected this to happen to us, you just never know," she said.

"It has been shocking to refresh the page and see the money rise, we never thought we would have to up the fundraiser goal. Mam had thought we would maybe raise €2,000 altogether, to have raised that within the first three hours was a shock," she said.

Pictured: Anthony Walsh, whose family have raised €10,000 so far for Portlaoise Ambulance Service and Tallaght's Stroke Unit

"Dad worked in the ESB, and he was always willing to help anyone at the drop of a hat. He was 58 when he died, he would be turning 60 in June," Laura said.

The family wish to thank everyone for their support, and Portlaoise Ambulance Service and Tallaght Hospital's Stroke Unit for their kindness and dedication.

At the time of this article, the fundraiser has amassed €10,500 of a €12,000 goal.

To support the Walsh family in their fundraiser, you can donate here.