A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN has been launched to help the family of Michael Anesu Nhema bring his body home to Zimbabwe for a traditional burial.

The father-of-two went missing from his home in Athy, Kildare, on 14 April. His body was found off the east coast five days ago and friends of the man and his family here in Ireland are trying to raise money to he can be buried in his home country.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Brian Mirimi, who is godfather to one of Michael’s children, said everyone who met the 33-year-old considered him a friend.

“He was a very good person, one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life and genuine as well. He was more than a friend, he was like my brother.”

The death of his friend was a huge shock to him, he said.

We are still trying to deal with it at the moment – it’s hard but we’re trying to deal with it.

The man is survived by his wife and two children who are living in Athy and Mirimi said friends are doing everything they can to support them through the tragedy.

So far, they have managed to raise more than €650 in online donations.

“We are getting a good response and anything will help at this stage,” Mirimi said.

Read: Gardaí locate body of man missing from Athy>