Draperstown man's 65k for 65th birthday raises more than £9,000

A Draperstown man, who celebrated his 65th birthday earlier this year by walking 65km around Lough Fea has presented more than £9,000 to a local charity.

Gerry Donnelly took on the mammoth walking challenge – four laps of the lough over three days in July - in memory of his late sister Eileen Fitzgerald and his special friend Marie Gormley.

Gerry raised a total of £9,163.90 for Macmillan Cancer Care and he recently presented a cheque to a representative of the charity at Lough Fea.

Gerry initially hoped to raise £6,500 - £100 for every km walked, however he said he was 'blown away' by the public's generosity.

“On behalf of Macmillan Cancer Care and myself I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that contributed to my 65k walk at Lough Fea as part of my 65th birthday celebrations in memory of two wonderful ladies – my wee sister Eileen and a very special friend Marie Gormley,” said Gerry.

“I would like to extend a word of thanks to Denise McNamee for setting up my Go Fund Me page, without that it would not have been the success it was.

“I also must thank Roisin Toner who made my shirts that created quite a bit of interesting conversations at the lough and a mention of thanks to Eddie and Heather at ES Printing.

“I also extend a word of thanks to Colm Doyle and his excellent staff at The Shepherd's Rest in Sixtowns for their professional services of food on my birthday that brought an end to a very ambitious dream of raising £9,163.90.”

Gerry added: “I have to say at this moment in time I am humbled and blessed to know that I live in a wonderful, kind and generous community. Again, I must say a massive thank you.”