The family of a popular Liverpool fan who has died in Australia have described the generosity of strangers as 'mindblowing' after a fundraising target for bringing him home was smashed overnight.
Liam Loyden tragically and suddenly died on Saturday in his new home of Australia, where he moved eight months ago. He was just 29.
The graphic designer from Belle Vale was a huge Reds fan and well known around Liverpool, he was described as a 'rockstar' by his sister Claire Dunn.
The family were struggling to raise the funds needed to bring Liam's body home to be laid to rest - and so started a gofundme page to try and raise the cash.
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And after Liam's story was publicised in the ECHO last night - the total has now shot up past the original £10,000 target.
Huge numbers of donations have been coming in both from those who knew Liam and others who didn't, but have been moved by his story.
A number of people have given as much as £500 in single donations.
Speaking this morning, Ms Dunn said she was lost for words.
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She said: "There are literally no words to describe how grateful we are as a family for the generosity people have shown us. It is absolutely mindblowing.
"What this means is that my mum and dad can start to plan Liam's funeral in peace and without worrying about money which is great - because they don't need that stress right now."
Liam's family have now begun the process that will allow his body flown home from Australia to Liverpool.
Speaking about her brother, Ms Dunn said: "She said: "When someone dies people often say the same thing - that they were the life and soul of the party, but Liam literally was.
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"He was such a joker, a proper free spirit - whenever there was a family party you would always feel his presence.
"He was a musician too and would always get roped into playing something - but he was a showman and he enjoyed it.
She added: "He was absolutely obsessed with Liverpool FC and when he was in Australia, Liam and my dad would just constantly be messaging on our group chat about the football.
"He would set himself alarms so he could get up to watch the matches."
If you want to add to Liam's fund, you can do so here
