More than €23k raised to repatriate Cork chef's body from Mount Kilimanjaro

James O'Connor, a chef at the family-run Tony's Bistro on Cork’s North Main Street, died on Tuesday after suffering a suspected heart attack

James O'Connor, who died on Tuesday.

More than €23,000 has poured into a special fund to help repatriate the remains of a popular Cork chef following his sudden death near the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

James O'Connor, who worked as a chef at the family-run Tony's Bistro on Cork’s North Main Street, a legendary diner famous for its fry-ups, died on Tuesday after suffering a suspected heart attack about 100m from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The father of three had set out to climb the peak to celebrate his 40th birthday.

The team at Tony’s Bistro confirmed the tragic news in a Facebook post on Wednesday, describing Mr O'Connor as their “hero, an amazing brother, legendary chef, super dad, husband, and friend to all”.

The restaurant closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect as his family liaised with his climbing partner, Alan, and with the authorities in Tanzania around the repatriation of his remains.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT), the Newry-based charity which provides financial assistance and guidance to families seeking to repatriate the remains of loved ones back to Ireland, was also involved.

A family friend said while Mr O'Connor’s family were prepared to do whatever it took themselves to bring him home, they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, and by the donations which have poured into a GoFundMe account in his honour.

Target of €30,000

The fund set a target of €30,000 and by Thursday afternoon, it had passed the €23,000 mark and was on course to hit its target.

The family spokesperson said Mr O’Connor’s family plans to use whatever is raised to help the KBRT charity cover whatever costs it may incur, and also to help Mr O'Connor’s family in the long-term.

They said Mr O'Connor “exuded positivity and anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him would know they would never again meet another like James”.

“We never thought we would find ourselves writing something like this and seeking the much-needed help from our friends and community but we need to bring James home to his loving family in Limerick and Cork,” they said.

Family members flew out to Tanzania on Thursday and hope to be able to repatriate his remains soon, and announce funeral arrangements before Christmas.

In their tribute on GoFundMe, they said: “Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you."

You can donate to the fundraising at here.