An appeal for the family of eight-year-old Emili Roman has reached over €33,000.

The little girl who died after getting into difficulty on a Cork beach was yesterday remembered as a ‘kind’ and ‘bubbly’ personality who was greatly loved by all.

Emili was paddling with friends at Fountainstown Beach near Crosshaven when a current swept her away on Tuesday afternoon.

A three-hour search was immediately launched; however, her body was recovered near the shore by a member of the public at around 7:45pm.

Emili would have been celebrating her eighth birthday today alongside her twin brother Jeremy.

Emili Roman. Image: RIP.ie

A GoFundMe appeal launched yesterday has now reached over €33,000 after family friend Beata O’Sullivan appealed for help to ensure “Emily's funeral is a heartfelt celebration of her beautiful life”.

“Emily was a ray of sunshine in our lives,” she said. “A compassionate friend, a loving daughter, and a cherished sister.”

“Her laughter was infectious, and her kindness knew no bounds. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her warm smile and boundless enthusiasm. Her love for swimming was just one facet of her vibrant personality, and it brought her immense joy.”

She said the campaign aims to help cover her funeral expenses, including the cost of the service, burial and a memorial to honour her memory.

“Your contributions will allow us to give Emily the dignified farewell she deserves and alleviate the financial burden on her grieving family during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

“The funds will help with covering time off work for the parents and anything else that might arise.”

Emili will be laid to rest in Ballinrea this Saturday after her funeral at the Church of Our Lady and St. John in Carrigaline.

She is missed by her parents Martha and Slawomir, her sister Inga and her brother Jeremy.