A Bangor dad has tragically died in Spain after completing the Camino de Santiago walk last week.
Sports and diving coach Phill Dunlop, 53, had walked the 252km from Porto in Portugal to Santiago with a friend in nine days.
But he fell ill on his way home last Saturday and passed away.
Phill's wife Joan, and children Travis, Taylor and Jordan have travelled to Spain with two of Phill's sisters to accompany him on his final journey home on Saturday.
His sudden death created deep shock in his home town, where he had been a dive club coach at the Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex.
Now more than £10,000 has been raised on a gofundme page by friends of the family to help them cope with travel and funeral costs.
A friend said: "Phill loved having a laugh, was passionate about his diving club, a flutter on the horse racing and a night out with the boys but liked his wee quiet nights in with his family.
"Phillip and Kevin walked the most incredible journey, Porto to Santiago, a total of 252km in just nine days. What an achievement.
"Sadly, this is where Phillip's journey came to an end when he was on his way back home he fell ill and unfortunately passed away.
"The family and the whole community are shocked and devastated. Phillip was loved by all who knew him, he had such a positive impact on so many lives including all the children who attended his diving club in Aurora, Bangor."
And Phill's wife Joan, thanked friends for their support on social media.
She said: "I am totally devastated and shocked at the passing of my amazing husband, best friend, my wingman, soulmate, mine and the kids' whole life.
"Thank you everyone for all the lovely messages. We are spending the day with Phill before he is cremated on Friday morning. He will fly home with us on Saturday evening.
"There will be a service to celebrate his life next Wednesday. Wear as you please though it would be lovely to see people in our team colours, black and red. Thank you again for all your support, kindness and compassion."
Family friend Jenny Halleren said: "Phill was a quiet guy with a wicked, dry sense of humour. He had many passions in life especially his diving but his biggest passion was Joan and their three beautiful kids.
"Their world has fallen apart, but I know with the love and support everyone has for them all will get through this."
The Dunlop family will hold a service of thanksgiving at the Elim Church, Balloo Crescent, Bangor, on Wednesday April 24 at 2pm followed by refreshments at the Marine Court Hotel at 3.30pm.
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