The largest global social fundraising platform has said Ireland is the most generous country in the world.

GoFundMe has said 500,000 people in Ireland have donated to a campaign - more people per capita than any other nation.

Since 2016, more than €30m has been donated via GoFundMe in Ireland - and the number of GoFundMe campaigns started in Ireland grew by over 50% in 2018.

The platform has said campaigns have been started for everything - from medical to sports to creative causes.

Three of the biggest campaigns in Ireland are 'Shan's treatment' - a campaign for Shan to receive lifesaving cancer treatment in the US - 'Sean Cox' - a campaign that has raised over €1m for Mr Cox, who was attacked outside Anfield before a Champions League match - and 'Regina's Fight for Life' - a campaign for treatment of rare cancer in New York.

Rob Solomon is chairman and CEO of GoFundMe: "GoFundMe has become the 'take action' button of the internet - and nowhere is that more evident than in Ireland.

Chairman and CEO of GoFundMe Rob Solomon | Image: Supplied

"Since our launch in Ireland in 2016 people have flocked to our platform to help others, show kindness and express support for those in need.

"With more than one in 10 people donating in Ireland, it really is the most generous country in the world."

Globally, more than US$7bn (€6.23bn) has been raised on GoFundMe.

Launched in the US in 2010, it is is the world's largest social fundraising platform.

It has a community of more than 50 million donors.