Fundraiser for Waterford man's family hits €50k in 48 hours after tragic holiday death

A fundraiser for a Waterford man who tragically passed away on holiday has reached €50,000. 

Michael Grant was holidaying with his family when he tragically died of a cardiac arrest on July 1, leaving behind his wife Leanne and four children, Kayley, Niamh, Shay and Sofia. 

A physiotherapist and the founder of St Joseph's Juvenile Academy, Michael was well known and highly regarded in the Waterford community. 

A Go Fund Me was set up to raise money for his heartbroken family after it was discovered Michael's life insurance policy had lapsed.

An explainer on the fundraising page reads: "Michael unfortunately had left his life insurance policy lapse recently. We found he had a note in his diary to finalise securing his family's future for July 18 with his bank, a meeting he never got to attend." 

According to fundraiser organiser Deborah Grant, Michael served many clients including newborn babies from Waterford and beyond in his job as a physiotherapist, often without charging fees. 

He was also a passionate sportsman who worked "tirelessly" for the kids in Mount Sion GAA and St Jospehs FC, where he played himself for many years. 

She wrote, "Although we know that tomorrow isn't promised, we never expected Michael not to return home with his family. 

"If you wish to contribute anything, however big or small, to the future of Michael's children and wife, we would be forever grateful. 

"Many thanks for your support. Forever loved and missed, a loving husband, dad, son, brother, brother-in-law, friend, cousin, nephew, neighbour, physio, mentor, coach, counsellor and of course a lovable rogue! We miss you so much already, rest easy Michael, until we meet again." 

The fundraiser has managed to raise just shy of €50,000 in two days, which is five times the initial goal of €10,000. 

Michael was laid to rest at the Holy Family Church, Luke Wadding Street earlier today (July 12) 

May he rest in peace.