Donegal family appeal for help to save home of terminally-ill brother

A family in Donegal is appealing for help as they fear the family of their terminally-ill brother could lose their home.

Father-of-four Michael Kimberley is just 48 years old. In February, 2021, Michael was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Despite a major operation and two rounds of chemotherapy, medics have informed Michael that the cancer has spread to his liver and lungs.

“There is nothing more they can do for him,” says his sister, Gemma, who lives in Kilmacrennan.

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Michael, an electrician, lives in Stetchford, Birmingham with his partner Anne and three of their children, Connor (20), Michael (15) and Molly-Anne (11). They have another son, Shane (27), who now lives with his own family.

Michael's mother, Beryl Kimberley, sisters Beryl McCormack, Donna Kimberley and Gemma Kimberley all live in Donegal. His grandmother Din McDaid was a native of Glenswilly and those in Donegal reside in Kilmacrennan and Churchill.

The family moved to Donegal in 1993 and a GoFundMe page has been set up to aid Michael and his family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/v73x97-please-help-me-raise-money-to-help-this-family

“Having to do this, I know breaks his heart but I also know he needs some contentment,” Gemma tells Donegal Live.

“It's his dying wish to see his family keep their home.”

The mortgage is in Michael's name and they have been unable to add stay-at-home mother Anne. As Michael doesn't have life insurance, they face the prospect of being forced to sell their home.

“They would lose the home they grew up in and made memories with their father,” Gemma says.

“Losing their dad and their home is too much too bare, Their little world turned completely upside down and time is getting short.

“If they could get some help, it will be the greatest gift of all.”