The Donegal golfing community has come together to fundraise for their fellow golfer and friend Michael McGrath upon hearing of his cancer diagnosis.
Brave Michael made the trip to Vienna yesterday along with his sister Bernadette and Mary to begin immunotherapy treatment for stage four bowel cancer. He will stay in the Austrian capital for two weeks.
The total cost of the treatment is €150,000, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the cost.
Led by Keith Sheils, golfers from across the county took part in a fundraiser based on the Euromillions numbers last Friday.
The support was so overwhelming that Keith was able to run a second draw based on Tuesday’s Euromillions numbers. All of the numbers have now been sold.
“The first draw was mainly the golfing community, there are many different golf forums on Facebook where we shared the post,” Keith told Donegal Daily.
“When it started off I thought we’d chance the bonus ball draw and it all steamrolled from there. We contacted different golf clubs, golf shops, and then people began contacting me to donate a prize.
“We sold 100 balls at €50 each in about four days, there’s been great community spirit.
“The support has been unbelievable, most of the people who bought balls would have already donated on the Go Fund Me page. There’s been great local support for Michael.”
Michael began golfing as a juvenile at Letterkenny Golf Club around the same time as Keith, and they have been friends since.
The excellent prizes up for grabs during the draw were donated by Tesco, Watson Menswear, Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort, Mulroy Woods, Aura Leisure Centre, Diver’s Hyundai, Kevin Rafferty, Jamie Foley and Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure, along with many others.
Keith would like to thank all of the sponsors, golf clubs, and golf shops across Donegal that provided the prizes.
“Without the prizes we couldn’t have done it and no money would have been made. I’d like to thank everyone who bought a ball as well.”
After becoming a dad just three months ago, this treatment plan is the only chance Michael has of getting better and seeing little Senán grow up.
The fundraiser hit €105,000 this morning, with the final push on to secure the last third of the cost.
To help Michael on his journey, you can donate to his GoFundMe by following the link below. Whether it’s a fiver or €500, all donations are greatly appreciated by Michael and his family.
https://www.gofundme.com/a-future-for-michael
Thank you.
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