Limerick rallies to help homeless man found dying in forest build his forever home

The people of Limerick have come together to help a young homeless man build his own forever home with a whopping €150,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign.

Cian Murtagh (30) was close to dying alone in a forest on the Limerick border when he was found by walkers who brought him to hospital, saving his life.

The people of Kilbehenny Community Centre created a GoFundMe to help Cian live a normal life in a cottage bought for €41,000.

Cian was recently on RTE's Build Your Own Home where viewers can watch Cian and a team of people turn a derelict cottage into his forever home.

Cian grew up in state care from an early age and after leaving state care, he moved around Ireland for many years, homeless and sleeping on the streets.

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"Even though he was living in such difficult conditions, he never developed addiction problems. During this time he endured countless assaults, had his ribs broken, his teeth knocked out, and his life was in danger on many occasions," the GoFundMe said.

"He had no safe haven to recover from his injuries. In these very difficult circumstances, he still wanted to be employed (mostly working in construction), but could never raise enough money to put a roof over his head.

"With this goal becoming more and more difficult to achieve, Cian after many years of trying so hard, gave up all hope. He lost the will to live and went to die alone in a secluded area of Galtee Woods. 

"Fortunately, local walkers found him, but he was severely malnourished and on the verge of death.

"We have been very touched by Cian's story and want to help Cian as much as we can. We want Cian to finally have the home he deserves. We are raising these funds to make his dream of a home come true and in his own words "to live a simple life," Kilbehenny Community Centre said.

In an updated post on the GoFundMe, Kilbehenny Community Centre said: "While the house is very near completion, we are short funds to make it watertight and to protect from vermin entry as there are several holes and gaps around windows and the gable end of the cottage that need a stonemason and blocklayer to fix.

"The house also needs a lime render coating to the gable to seal it when work is finished. The stove needs some work in order to make it functional. There’s 3-4 weeks to see this done. 

"Cian himself is so happy to finally be living in his home, it’s very surreal for him! In a positive move to look after his health now that his future is looking bright he decided to give up smoking cigarettes and is currently on day 7! Now that he has a fridge/ freezer he is cooking for himself and eating healthier.

"Right now he’s walking everywhere and catching buses to the shops and to attend a course he has recently started, but hopes that one day he will have saved enough for a small car to help him get around. He is currently taking driving lessons to work towards this.

"Once again your contribution has been amazing in helping get this far, please share this story with your friends and family and hopefully they will decide to also be a part of Cian's journey by making a donation no matter how small. Thank you most sincerely."

Cian's GoFundMe, which has raised €150,240, can be found here.

A kind person who donated to the fundraiser said: "Hello Cian, I was watching the TV programme in tears with such admiration for you; all you have come true in life and seeing your dream come true, was inspirational, continued luck and blessings to you. May you have many many years of happiness in your new home, it is stunning, what a beautiful renovation. Sending lots and lots of positive energy and a big thank you for sharing your story with us. I have no doubt the .. wife and living a happy life is only round the corner for you. With every good wish."