The father of a six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy is to lead a 300 mile charity cycle in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
JJ Doran has life limiting disabilities due to brain injuries sustained at birth and requires regular care from NI Children’s hospice.
Dad Vincent along with members from Tullylish GAC have set out to raise £100,000 for the NI Children’s Hospice through an event called the Giro d’JJ.
Named in honour of JJ the fundraiser will see 30 intrepid cyclists tour the nine county GAA grounds of Ulster with Vincent, scoring a point in each ground.
A JustGiving page has been launched for donations.
Vincent explained: “JJ requires 24 hour medical care and has had many ups and downs since then. He will never have the life we would have wished for him but he is a little iron man and has kept fighting.
“Coming to terms with what happened has been difficult and it is a very steep learning curve when your child has complex medical needs but NI Children’s Hospice have been by our side from the start. Along with our brilliant community nursing team the hospice provided a light in the dark when we really needed it.
“JJ receives Hospice at Home respite care every week where he is cared for at home by the hospice’s specialist nurses. He also visits the hospice’s Horizon House several times a year for respite stays.
“The respite we receive at home from Hospice at Home allows us to do everyday things that are not always possible due to the level of JJ’s care needs knowing that JJ is safe and cared for and also allows us to spend quality time with our daughter Evie. The hospice’s sibling support has been invaluable to us at some of our most difficult times.
“The need for the hospice’s services can’t be overstated. They provide family and community support, in-house care, respite at home and bereavement support to families across Northern Ireland and for many families under their care they are a lifeline.”
The family’s fundraising efforts have previously raised more than £75,000 for the hospice in 2021.
On Tuesday evening their latest fundraising target surpassed the halfway mark with almost £52,000 raised.
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