BIG-HEARTED Daniel O’Donnell has agreed to perform at a dance for the first time in 23 years in order to help a young Killygordon boy’s fight to be able to walk.
Daniel was overcome with emotion after receiving a letter from Ms Anne Marie Doherty who has embarked on a major fund-raising campaign so that her son Paul (5) can get vital treatment.
The ‘Mammy I Want To Walk’ drive is all about raising funds for brave Paul as there is no assistance available at home because the HSE cannot fund the operation.
As a result, the family has to raise at least €60,000 to pay for the life-changing operation in the USA.
Paul has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and to date has had physio, occupational therapy, speech therapy, conductive education, Botox injections, three weeks at the Peto Institute in Hungary and all sorts of medicines but to no avail.
Less than nine weeks after the campaign was launched, almost €50,000 has been raised. However, Anne Marie decided to write to Daniel in a desperate attempt to help Paul get his operation.
“With a heavy dousing of Knock holy water and plenty of prayers too, I posted a hand written note to Daniel O’Donnell in Kincasslagh,” she explained.
“I told him I was arranging a dance in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey, on Sunday, December 28, and hoped that Daniel might be at home to sing a few songs on the night. Daniel O’Donnell is well known to have a big heart when it comes to supporting those in need.
“But, I was shocked to hear Daniel’s voice when I checked the voicemail on my mobile phone a few days later.”
Daniel has taken Paul’s story to his heart and promised to be lead act at the dance. In the days since that initial contact, the Kincasslagh Crooner and Anne Marie have been busy organising the very special night.
Daniel explained to Anne Marie that he hasn’t performed at a dance in over 23 years. Instead he as just been singing at packed out concerts around the world.
Daniel will be accompanied by Daniel Craig and Grainne Gavigan. Dancing is from 10 pm and tickets are available exclusively from Villa Rose Hotel on 074 9132266.
For further information log on to Paul’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/mammyiwanttowalk
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