Fundraising page for Ryan Teasdale’s family overwhelmed with donations

The gofundme.com page has recorded more than 830 donations since it was set up on Saturday. Created in the name of Joel Bridge with a $5000 target, it went on to achieve more than $31,000 in a single day. 

“Sending your child to heaven is not easy and it's definitely not cheap,” Mr Bridge wrote, explaining the funds raised would benefit the family of 11-year-old Ryan Teasdale, who was swept away by flood waters at Unanderra on Thursday. 

Read more: Unanderra mother knew her missing boy’s fate

“What [Ryan’s parents] Mel, Neil and their family are going through is heartbreaking and everyone's worst nightmare, so a little reprieve might help, there will be time off work, and bills as life goes on around them.” 

“Ryan was a credit to his family he was funny, crazy and he was so independent and loving. He will be missed.”

A large number of people visited a makeshift memorial at Riley Park throughout the weekend, laying floral tributes to a little boy gone but not forgotten. 

Some lingered a while; others stepped quickly out of cars, deposited their tribute, and drove on, the simple gesture done. 

Ryan’s sister, Brooke, took to social media on Sunday to thank the family’s many supporters. 

“The support my family has been receiving is appreciated so much,” she wrote. “From the bottom of my heart I just want to thank everyone so much for the kind words.” 

“Ryan will be looking down at us with a smile because he brought us all together. Remember to keep on smiling because that's what he would have wanted. My baby brother, I love you so much. Fly high, Ryan.”