By Paul McElwee
THE Railway Gym in Lifford is ‘spinning’ into action tomorrow with a fundraising event to support the family of Charles Dooher, a young man left fighting for his life following a brutal assault.
Two weeks ago, Charles and his father were attacked at their home on Conneyburrow Road in Lifford by five assailants armed with steel bats. The 20-year-old was airlifted to Belfast, where he remains in a serious but stable condition. His devastated family and heartbroken girlfriend, Charlotte, have been by his bedside ever since.
In an effort to ease the financial strain on the family, the Gamble family, who own and run the Railway Gym, are organising a charity spin marathon.
Speaking about the event, Keith ‘Bear’ Gamble said: “Charles has been a dedicated patron and friend of our gym for a long time, and after the horrific events of two weeks ago, we felt it was prudent to do something to help his family with costs. They have been taking time off from work to travel to Belfast daily, and the costs of that travel mount up, so hopefully this will go some way to alleviate any financial burdens. It was actually at our gym where Charles and Charlotte met during lockdown, and they’ve been friends of the gym ever since.
“Charles not only used the gym regularly with Charlotte, but when we were renovating, he could always be relied upon to bring his teleporter to help us clear debris, stones, or anything else we needed. It’s help that won’t be forgotten.”
Saturday’s spinning event, open to both members and non-members, will be a seven-hour spin marathon.
Participants will take part in 30-minute spin cycle sessions on equipment brought in specially for the event. Ten cycles will be available for participants, with an eleventh reserved for the instructor.
With 43 out of 51 sponsorship sheets already taken, Bear has confirmed that more will be made available for those eager to contribute.
“All we ask is that people do 30 minutes, all in the name of a great cause for a great person, and to help his family through this traumatic time,” he said.
“No matter whether it’s £1,000 or a few thousand, every little helps.”
Anyone wishing to participate can contact the Railway Gym on Facebook to enquire about sponsorship sheets.
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