By Róise Collins
TONIGHT Gary Ramsey from Letterkenny will spend his seventh and final night living in a shed in the town’s Market Square, all in aid of the Donegal Hospice.
By tomorrow afternoon, Gary will have spent a total of 168 hours inside a 10×8-foot shed outside Greene’s Shoes.
“The people of Letterkenny have been amazing,” Gary said, reflecting on the fundraiser so far.
“From tea and coffee to food and shopping, friends and even total strangers have shown up to support me.”
With no cooking facilities in the shed, local shops and cafés have generously provided his meals, sponsoring his breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
As he approaches the end of his seven-day stint, Gary admits he is looking forward to moving back home.
“At a minute past 12, I’ll be out of there as quickly as I can,” he laughed.
The shed, with only a fence and padlock separating Gary from the outside world, left him feeling exposed, especially during the weekend when the pubs and nightclubs emptied onto the main street.
After six long nights, Gary has endured restless sleep, due to the noise from rowdy passers-by.
“It’s hard to sleep because it’s very noisy. Even when it’s quiet, you’re still sleeping with one eye and one ear open, just to make sure you’re safe,” he said.
Despite the discomfort, Gary has been moved by the outpouring of support from the local community.
“The people of Donegal have been incredible, both online and in person. Even little school children have come by to donate,” he added.
Gary believes the support speaks volumes about what the Donegal Hospice means to the community.
“It shows you what Donegal Hospice is all about—it means something to everyone,” he said.
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