Following the sudden death of one of their members in Greece in recent weeks, Magheraveely Northern Ireland Supporters Club set up a JustGiving page in his memory.

Andrew Bonner died suddenly in Greece while there following Northern Ireland during their Nations League campaign, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends and a shocked community.

Part of the Magheraveely Northern Ireland Supporters Club, Andy was known as an enjoyable, fun-loving character who always had a bright smile on his face.

Glenn Keenan, who is Chair of the supporters club and set up the donation page, explained: “When we heard the word about Andrew, and with him being a club member, we had discussed maybe doing something [in his memory].

“We just basically consulted the family and we wanted to do something in Andrew’s memory, and they were happy for us to go ahead, so we set this page up.”

Glenn continued: “I had originally set the target at £5,000 and I thought if we hit it we would be doing well. The figure is now over £10,000 which is incredible and we are delighted to have surpassed the target.”

Help another family

Andrew’s body was brought home with help from The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Glenn said the family intend to donate the money to them.

“What we raised, I think they are planning on donating it to The Kevin Bell Trust, because they have said they have helped them in their time of need, so hopefully it might help another family in need down the line.”

The news of Andrew’s death was a big shock to the club and Northern Ireland fans across the country, and this can be seen in the donations from other supporters’ clubs.

“We have just over 40 members in the club, and the club is pretty close-knit and everybody gets on,” said Glenn.

“The club would be kind of like a close family, so when we heard the news, it was a big shock to everybody within the club and everybody has been saddened.”

Andrew’s mother Noelle and sisters Jenny and Vikki, say they are overwhelmed by the support and kindness they have received since his death.

They said: “Everybody has been so thoughtful and good. We can’t thank the Magheraveely boys enough for what they have done for our family and Andrew.

“We are are totally overwhelmed by the generosity of all the people who made a donation.

“The money raised is incredible and we just want to thank everyone for their kindness.”

If you wish to donate to the JustGiving page in memory of Andrew, see https://tinyurl.com/5n7wp4kh.