Almost $300,000 has been raised for the family of a Noble Park man who drowned trying to save a stranger’s child on a NSW beach.
Shaun Oliver, 32, was on a business trip in Wollongong on 10 September when he dived into rough seas to rescue a 12-year-old child who had become caught in large waves.
The child was ultimately saved by a local surfer, but the father of three was swept out to sea.
The local community has banded around his grieving family and donated thousands of dollars via a GoFundMe page set up after his death.
By Thursday 21 September more than $297,705 had been donated by more than 2250 people.
The family has been overwhelmed with the support.
“Obviously nothing can replace this loss but to know that our heartache is shared by so many, to know that Shaun’s sacrifice has been recognised, is something we can hold to,” the family wrote on the page.
Most of the donations have been small from $20 to $100, with many using the platform to leave their condolences.
“We witnessed Shaun’s selflessness and bravery on that day,” Seamus Farrell wrote.
“Words can’t express how sorry we are for your loss.”
Mr Oliver’s funeral was held at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Thursday with friends and family gathering directly after the funeral at the social rooms at Rowley Allen Reserve, Keysborough.
Mr Oliver leaves behind his wife Carla and three children.
To donate, vist www.gofundme.com/shaun-oliver-died-saving-others.
