Co Down GAA club launches charity drive in honour of young boy in hospice care
A County Down GAA club is gearing up for a special charity drive in honour of a young boy who requires weekly Hospice at Home care.
Tullylish GAC have set out to raise a staggering £100,000 for the NI Children's Hospice through an event called the Giro d'JJ.
The initiative is named after young JJ Doran, who has cerebral palsy and life limiting disabilities due to brain injuries sustained at birth.
Read more: IFA chief exec hopes NI will still 'have as big a part as possible' in Euro 2028
Read more: The Anfield Wrap makes much-anticipated Belfast return with special live show
The marathon fundraiser and will see 30 intrepid cyclists tour the nine county GAA grounds of Ulster with JJ’s father, Vincent, scoring a point in each ground.
A Just Giving page has been launched for the appeal. On it JJ's father Vincent says: "JJ is six years old. Many of you may know JJ and his story but for those who don't JJ has cerebral palsy and life limiting disabilities due to brain injuries sustained at birth. JJ spent many weeks in neonatal care after he was born and we were told initially that he was unlikely to survive his injuries.
"JJ kept fighting and after 2 months he left hospital and came back home to Tullylish. JJ requires 24 hour medical care and has had many ups and downs since then. He will never have the life we would have wished for him but he is a little Iron Man and has kept fighting.
"JJ loves stories and music therapy. He attends Donard School in Banbridge twice a week (we have to give a shout out to the amazing staff at Donard who are so good with JJ). JJ loves the all the sensory activities and fun he has at school. He is a little ray of sunshine and we are so proud of him. JJ adores his big sister Evie and we all adore him.
"Coming to terms with what happened to JJ has been difficult and it is a very steep learning curve when your child has complex medical needs but NI Children’s Hospice have been by our side from the start. Along with our brilliant community nursing team the hospice provided a light in the dark when we really needed it.
"JJ receives Hospice at Home respite care every week where he is cared for at home by the hospice’s specialist nurses. He also visits the hospice’s Horizon House several times a year for respite stays. The respite we receive at home from Hospice at Home allows us to do everyday things that are not always possible due to the level of JJ’s care needs knowing that JJ is safe and cared for by nurses who are kind and caring and absolutely brilliant with JJ.
READ MORE: Joe Brolly hails arrival of baby with second wife as 'close to paradise' and 'overwhelming'
READ MORE: Homeless World Cup will be a 'life-changing experience' for Team NI players
"It also allows us to spend quality time with our daughter Evie. The hospice’s sibling support has been invaluable to us at some of our most difficult times. The in-house respite at Horizon House provides a warm and caring environment.
"With facilities such as a therapy pool, art room, soft play, music room and sensory room it is a haven for JJ to explore new experiences in a safe and accessible environment. It also provides a safe space where care needs can be temporarily lifted off the shoulders of parents/cares allowing them to have a short time when daily life is not dictated by medicines and care needs.
"The need for the Hospice’s services can’t be overstated. They provide family and community support, in-house care, respite at home and bereavement support to families across Northern Ireland and for many families under their care they are a lifeline."
The family have previously helped raise £75,000 for the NI Children's Hospice through a charity walk they held in 2021 which was called 'The Road from Croker to Tullylish'.
Now they are aiming higher with this cycling fundraiser, which is expected to run from September 20-22.
So far the Just Giving page has raised over £49,000, and organisers are hoping more will flood in before and during the charity cycle.
Anyone wanting to find out more and donate can check out the page HERE
They also have a Facebook page to follow their journey.
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox