A heartbroken Dundalk family who lost a child have raised over €8,000 for The Maria Goretti charity by walking hundreds of kilometres for the month of May.
Colleen and Paul McNally from the Avenue Road lost their 11-year-old son, Daragh to cancer on the morning of November 24, 2019.
“We are heartbroken forever. Losing a child is the worst thing in the world,” said Colleen.
“Daragh had autism. He was our special boy. We promised him before he became an angel that we would continue to keep his memory alive.
“Whilst he was alive, The Maria Goretti helped us so much. They help so many children like Daragh.”
She added: “The Maria Goretti is a fantastic day and night respite centre for children with special needs.
“Daragh called it his funhouse, as it is a place where children go to have fun. The staff in the respite centre are truly amazing.
“Before he passed away, we promised him that we would continue to help children with autism.”
Colleen continued: “Please help us raise vital funds for this centre. Any amount big or small will help these children and give their parents a much-needed break.
“The simplest thing Daragh loved to do was walk and run and jump that’s why we decided to walk in his memory for the fundraiser.”
Colleen and Paul plan to walk 200km in May, in memory of their son, Daragh. Their eldest son, Nathan, is walking 100km.
Other family members and friends are also joining the McNallys in their fundraising efforts this month.
All proceeds raised will be donated to The Maria Goretti children’s respite centre. For more information and to donate please visit Fundraiser by Colleen McNally : Our Angel Daragh’s Funhouse. Maria Goretti (gofundme.com)
