The funeral of Patrick Friel Curran, the popular young Derry man who died in New York earlier this week, will take place this weekend.
Patrick Friel Curran.
Patrick (23) passed away unexpectedly in Westchester Medical Centre on Tuesday last. He had been admitted two days earlier with back pain but suffered multiple organ failure. His father, Damian, was by his bedside having flown to New York after being informed Patrick had fallen critically ill.
Patrick, a talented long distance runner who completed both the London and Derry Marathons earlier this year, went to the “Big Apple” for three months in July and was due to return home yesterday. A number of his friends will run tomorrow’s Causeway Coast Half Marathon in his honour.
Patrick’s remains are due to arrive today at the family home at 26 The Branch from where his funeral will leave at 10.15am on Sunday for Requiem Mass in the nearby Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty at 11.00am. He will be laid to rest immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page set up to raise money to help bring Patrick home has raised £4,000. That will be boosted over the next two days with a number of fundaising the events.
A collection was taken on the ground floor of the Richmond Centre yesterday and collectors will return to the same location from 10.00am to 5.00pm today.
Organiser, Davy Keenan, thanked those who “gave generously.”
He said: “I want to thank everyone who called to the Richmond Centre to raise funds to bring Patrick Friel Curran home. The support and kind stories of how this great fella touched people was great to hear. I have never been more proud to be from this city where everyone expressed their deepest sympathies and gave generously.”
A fundraising disco will be held tonight upstairs at Mason’s Bar while another will be held tomorrow night in Pitchers at the Foyle Golf Centre.
However, the most generous gesture is being made tomorrow at Cafe Soul, Shipquay Street where staff have donated their wages while the owner will contribute the takings for the entire day.
Friends of Patrick in New York have also held a fundraising night.
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