A major fundraising effort is underway to support the family of Lifford man Charles Dooher as he enters his third week on life support.
Dooher (26) was savagely beaten by five masked men armed with iron batons at his home on the Coneyburrow Road on Monday, January 20th.
He suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he remains, fighting for his life.
Charles’ father, also named Charles, was seriously assaulted and treated in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) for non-life threatening injuries before being released.
Several fundraisers are taking place to support the Dooher family at this difficult time.
Chelsea Gallen, the sister of Charles’ heartbroken girlfriend, Charlotte Gallen, is fundraising for the family to cover travel expenses, daily needs, and ongoing care.
Chelsea said: “Three weeks on Charles is still on life support. As you can imagine it’s unbearable for his family and is now becoming costly for them with paying for accommodation etc in Belfast so they can be by Charlie’s side all the time.”
In a JustGiving appeal, Chelsea said: “No family should have to ever suffer this awful trauma and we hope to lighten the load for them by easing any financial concerns that come as a result of this unimaginable ordeal.
“Anyone who knows Charlie will tell you what a kind-hearted soul he is. He has always gone above and beyond to help others.
“We are calling on friends, businesses and anyone with a compassionate heart to step forward and help Charles and his family weather this storm.”
Paddy Gillespie, a close friend of Charles, is taking on a formidable challenge known as “Everesting,” along with Charles’s girlfriend, Charlotte, and his sister, Tania. This feat involves conquering the equivalent of Mount Everest’s height, a 8,849 meters, through three monthly challenges.
Paddy will be tackling two of these challenges. First, he will be road cycling uphill, accumulating the 8,849-meter elevation of Everest. He will also be swimming the distance up and down the equivalent of Everest’s height, a total of 17.70 kilometres, also on a monthly basis.
The third part of the challenge falls to Charlotte and Tania. They will be tracking their steps each month to reach the 44,250 steps it takes to ascend to the summit of Everest.
This challenge will officially begin in March, with training getting underway this month and everyone welcome to join in the effort and log their activity. To donate, click here:www.gofundme.com/f/everesting-8849m-challenge-for-charles-dooher
Last weekend saw huge support for a ‘Spin for Charles’ stationary bike challenge at Railway Gym in Lifford.
A Naomh Padraig 7-a-side will take place at the Lifford pitch this Sunday 16th February. Find details on the Naomh Padraig Leifear page.
Those who cannot make the events are welcome to donate directly via https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charlesdooher
“Let’s come together to support Charles and his loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable challenge. Your kindness means everything,” said Chelsea.
“Any unused funds will be donated to the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital ICU Department where Charles is receiving the most incredible care.”
Gardaí continue to liaise with the PSNI in the investigation into the serious assault.
In the days following the incident, detectives with the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch arrested two men in Derry in connection with the attack. However, they were later released on bail ‘pending further inquiries.
