An online fundraiser for the family of a man who died while kayaking in Galway Bay last month has surpassed its €20,000 goal.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Mark Morley got into difficulty off Spiddal in Co Galway shortly before 1.30pm on Thursday 29 December, prompting a multi-agency search and rescue effort.

Sadly, the father of two from Doughiska in Galway was pronounced dead at the scene after he was recovered from the water.

According to the Connacht Tribune, friends of the family set up a GoFundMe for Mark’s widow Kate Strochnetter and their daughters Roisin and Allison which has so far raised €25,220 from 468 donations.

“Kate and the girls are well-known in our community for their care and support of others, and this is one way we can help them in their time of grief and need,” the fundraising page says.