An inspirational Donegal girl has been chosen to be honorary garda through the Little Blue Heroes charity programme.
Three-year-old TJ (Tina Joan) McDaid was born with severe spina bifida meningocele.
Over the past year, she has been undergoing specialist physiotherapy treatment in Budapest in her wish to walk.
Her progress has been remarkable, according to TJ’s mum Claire McDaid from Drumkeen. TJ celebrated taking her first steps in November and is eager to do more.
TJ in Budapest
TJ’s fundraising campaign has brought communities together many times in the last two years.
This year is about to get even bigger, as TJ joins the Letterkenny Gardaí as an honorary member. The Little Blue Heroes programme supports children with serious illnesses while recognising their strengths and bravery.
Claire said it would be an honour to see TJ graduate. The initiation date is due to be arranged.
“TJ is a wee hero who brings happiness to everyone she meets. It’s great that she has been accepted. She has a very big year ahead,” Claire said.
TJ and Claire are flying to Hungary today to begin another 8 weeks of treatment at the Peto Institute in Budapest. Each medical trip costs €12,000 on average, so fundraising is a priority to ensure TJ’s treatment can continue.
“This will be TJ’s fourth time out in Budapest. Our aim now is to get more funding to bring her treatment to the end of the year,” Claire said.
“The more we can afford, the more progress she will make.
“She has made amazing progress in the last year alone and we can’t wait to see what she is going to do this month.”
Variety Concert
The end of February (28th) will see some of the north west’s top music stars coming together for a major fundraising concert for TJ. The variety concert in the Clanree Hotel features Jim Devine, David James, John Dolan and Band, Martin Orr to name but a few. There’ll be entertainment by magician Dillon Murray, comedian Andy McGranaghan and many more.
Tickets are on sale now for only €15 from the Clanree Hotel or the Tj wish 2 walk Facebook page or pay at the door on the night. Guests will also have the chance to enter a huge raffle and win spot prizes.
It’s a night not to be missed, says Claire.
“We are so grateful to everyone taking part and donating to the concert. We’d ask anyone with fundraising ideas to come forward and let us know.”
For updates on the concert and to follow TJ’s journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/Tj.needham.mcdaid
Visit TJ’s online fundraising page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-t-j/
If anyone would like to help TJ and raise much-needed funds, they can contact Clairemcdaid@hotmail.com