Losing a loved one is hard enough — but when that loss happens abroad, grieving families can face an unexpected and often overwhelming financial burden just to bring their loved one home. This is where the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, known as KBRT, steps in.
KBRT is a family-run charity based in Newry, County Down, founded in 2013 with one clear purpose: to ease the financial hardship faced by bereaved families who need to repatriate the body of a loved one who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances.
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What Is the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust?
The Trust is named after Kevin Bell, son of founders Colin and Eithne, who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while travelling in New York in the summer of 2013.
When the devastating news reached his parents, they faced the added distress of not knowing how they would afford to bring their son’s body home for burial. Their local community in Newry rallied around them, raising more than £150,000 to help bring Kevin home.
Moved by this generosity and determined to help other families facing the same heartbreak, Colin and Eithne used the funds raised beyond what was needed to set up a charity dedicated to supporting families with the high costs of repatriating a loved one’s remains from abroad.
Who Can Apply for Help from KBRT?
KBRT supports families across all 32 counties of Ireland, regardless of religion, background or the circumstances of the death. This support can make an enormous difference at an already devastating time, as the cost of repatriating a body can be significant depending on the circumstances, local charges and hospital release costs involved.
Since it was founded, KBRT has helped repatriate well over a thousand loved ones to their families in Ireland, from countries around the world including Australia, Argentina, South Korea, the USA, Canada, Ecuador, Cambodia, India and Uganda, among many others.
How You Can Help KBRT Raise Funds
KBRT relies on the generosity of the public to continue this vital work. There are two main ways to help:
- Fundraise: Set up your own fundraising event or activity to generate donations for the Trust.
- Donate directly: Give directly through the KBRT website, where donations can be made in either pounds or euros.
For full details on how to donate, visit KBRT’s donation page.
Get Help From KBRT
If your family, or a family you know, is facing the heartbreak of losing a loved one abroad and needs support bringing them home, KBRT is there to help.
Find out more about the Trust’s work, or contact the Trust directly for assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust do?
KBRT helps bereaved families across Ireland cover the cost of bringing home the body of a loved one who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances.
Who is eligible for help from KBRT?
Families anywhere in the 32 counties of Ireland can apply, regardless of religion, background or the circumstances surrounding the death.
How is KBRT funded?
The Trust relies entirely on public donations and fundraising events organised by supporters, as well as direct donations made through its website.
How can I support KBRT?
You can donate directly through the KBRT website or organise your own fundraiser to help raise funds for families in need.
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