MEDIA: Family fundraises to repatriate body of Bendigo man

The Australian family of a beloved 37-year-old man living in Vietnam was finally able to repatriate his body after he died suddenly some weeks ago.

Bendigo man, Damien Kennedy, died unexpectedly on January 31.

Damien’s sister, Laura Kennedy, started a mycause fundraising page to help raise funds to cover his repatriation as well as funeral costs for a service in Bendigo. 

On the page, Laura explained how herself and her parents did not have extra funds available and were unable to raise the money needed by themselves.

“We are devastated by Damien's passing and don't know where else to turn. We have had to borrow $16,500 to repatriate him back to Australia. We will be forever grateful if you can help us,” she wrote.

The Herald Sun reported last week that Damien’s body had finally been able to be brought home. 

“Damien is finally back in Australia,” Laura had posted online.

The family have so far been able to raise almost $14,000, which will cover most – if not all – of the funeral costs.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone that has donated and shared Damien’s cause,” said Laura.

“We are absolutely amazed and blessed to know that so many people cared about Damien. It’s been very comforting to know that he had so many amazing people in his life.”

Friends and former colleagues flooded the fundraising page with special messages of support, describing Damien as “a real gentleman” and “good friend”.

Though originally from Bendigo in Victoria, at the time of his death Damien was engaged to be married and living in Ho Chi Minh City.