Daughter’s one wish to bring businessman dad home after death in Galway hospital
Marcin Grzegorczyk, who died in University Hospital Galway, was a well-known businessman and ran the Bike Café in Belmullet in Mayo
A young girl is hoping to bring her dad’s body back to his native home after a long fight with illness.
Marcin Grzegorczyk died last week after a “long and difficult battle” in University Hospital Galway.
His daughter Julka, with the help of Marcin’s friends, has set up a fundraiser to bring his body home to his native Poland.
The fundraiser for Marcin, who was a well-known businessman and ran the Bike Café in Belmullet in Mayo, has already surpassed its target of €14,000 after just five days.
Katarzyna Noworyta who started the GoFundMe pleaded: “Please help us bring Julka’s Dad home.
Katarzyna said: “We never imagined we would have to ask for help like this.
“After a long and difficult battle with illness, Marcin passed away in Galway Hospital.
“For a while, we truly believed he had won that fight. It seemed like the worst was behind him. Then, very suddenly, everything changed.
“He passed away peacefully with Julka by his side — his daughter, the most important person in his life, his greatest pride and inspiration.”
The fundraiser profile continues; “We are now trying to cope with the shock and grief while also facing the reality of losing someone abroad.
“Our biggest wish is to bring him home to Poland, where he can be laid to rest close to his family and friends, and where Julka can say goodbye to her dad properly.
“Unfortunately, the cost of repatriating him from Ireland to Poland, completing all the necessary paperwork, funeral home fees, transport and funeral expenses is more than we are able to manage on our own.
“Everything happened so quickly, and none of us were prepared for the financial burden that comes with arranging bringing a loved one home.
“That is why we are asking for your help. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us cover: repatriation from Ireland to Poland funeral home and transport costs necessary documents and formalities funeral and burial expenses.”
They added: “Any funds remaining after these costs are covered will also help us keep his little café going — a place that meant so much to him, and that we know became important to the community in Belmullet and far beyond.
“We are incredibly grateful for every donation, every share, every message and every kind word during this heartbreaking time.
“We just want to bring him home, say goodbye to him with the dignity he deserves, and keep a little part of him alive in the place he created.”