Donard group raises money in support of ‘brave’ Declan

Donard group raises money in support of ‘brave’ Declan

25 November 2015

THE Donard Fundraising Group has donated £1,000 to a fund set up to assist a young Crossgar man who suffers from locked in syndrome.

Members of the group met Declan McMullan and his family last week to present the money for his fund which aims to assist Declan with his continued recovery and rehabilitation. The money presented by the Donard Group will go towards the purchase a special wheelchair transport cycle.

Declan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in March 2012  as a result of an underlying and undiagnosed heart condition known as Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. He was 19 at the time and spent 65 weeks in hospital before returning home to be cared for by his family. 

Donard group chairman, Paul Madden, said it was a privilege for members to meet Declan and his family and be “touched again by the indomitable bravery, humour, inspiration and love Declan radiates and receives from his devoted family.”

He described Declan as a “shining example” of someone who triumphs over adversity, who will let nothing stand in his way of overcoming the many daily difficulties he faces with the help and support of his equally resolute family and friends. 

“The simple things and pleasures in life that we all take for granted, that would be seemingly insurmountable and impossible for Declan to do or achieve, are met with his stoic and heroic will-power, and incredible endurance without complaint,” said Paul.

“We are delighted our donation will be used to kickstart a new campaign and set the wheels in motion to help raise the funds to buy Declan a Velo Plus Wheelchair Transport Bicycle, which Declan’s father John discovered by chance online.”

The Donard Group has also announced that in conjunction with Declan’s family and friends they are organising a fundraising cycling event next spring.

The event will be open to cycling club members and people of all ages and abilities, including the able bodied and disabled, with the 54-mile route taking in the coastline across the Newry, Mourne and Downe Council area.

The route can be completed in full or by relay teams with participants encouraged to raise as much as they can to help Declan’s family purchase the new wheelchair transport cycle. The group also hopes to raise enough money purchase similar cycles for other local children and adults.

Donard group members are keen for some of the specially adapted cycles to be located in public areas across the district which could not be accessed by normal wheelchairs to enhance people’s social, recreational and therapeutic wellbeing.

Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s cycle fundraiser is asked to contact either the Donard Fundraising Group or Declan McMullan Fund Facebook pages.

Donard fundraising volunteer, Jacqui Mason, said last week’s visit to Declan’s home provided an opportunity for Newcastle man Paddy Brannigan to meet the Crossgar man and his family. She said Paddy “tirelessly dedicates” his time and brilliant woodturning skills to make amazing gifts which he donates to help many local people, worthy causes and charities. 

Paddy created a special “loving cup” which he presented to the McMullan family, with the rings representing each member of the family, Declan’s parents John and Brenda, brother Mark and sister Anna. 

Paddy has also made a children’s playhouse which he has donated to the Donard Group to be raffled to raise funds. And the First and Last Bar in Warrenpoint has presented the group with a cheque for almost £350, with the money being donated to Marie Curie, funding 17 hours of  palliative nursing care.