Fundraising effort underway for family of Patrick McColgan

A FUNDRAISER founded in the aftermath of the disappearance and death of Strabane man, Patrick McColgan has raised over £7,000.

Instigated by a close friend of the family, Leah Lowry, any monies raised will be used by the family.

A huge search operation was launched when the 33-year-old father-of-four didn’t return home on Sunday December 17. However, the search was stood down the following Saturday when the Community Rescue Service team discovered his body.

Patrick left behind his partner Amy, with whom he shares two children. Patrick also has two children from a previous relationship.

Commenting on the fundraiser Leah Lowry said, “I’ve been best friends with Amy since we were 11 years old and I would have known Paddy very well as a result, having been in and out of their house when I was working in Strabane.

“I’m now currently based in Leeds but, as soon as I heard Paddy went missing, I got the first flight home and lived with Amy through Christmas until I had to go back.

The fundraiser, ‘Support Paddy’s Family’ on GoFundMe currently stands at £7,112.

Leah added, “To be honest, we didn’t know how long we’d be looking for Paddy so set the GoFundMe up almost immediately and (we) intend to keep it going until the end of the month… The money raised by the fund will go a long way to help Amy in terms of finances until we can work out a long-term plan for her and the children.

“Amy just needs time to adjust and get her mental health back on track, for herself and her children.”