Dundalk raises funds in hours for Leo’s mobility buggie
Community support helps seven-year-old exceed his GoFundMe target
The Dundalk community has rallied around seven-year-old Leo McEvoy, helping him exceed his GoFundMe target in just three hours, raising €1,391 to purchase a specialist all-terrain mobility buggie.
Leo, who is level 3 autistic, is described by his parents as “an extreme flight risk. He will run into roads, does not respond to his name and our biggest fear is that if he ever got free, he'd be too fast to capture before something bad happens.” They say this means his opportunities to go out safely are extremely limited.
Currently, his school has been taking him on outings in a baby-sized buggy as they don't want him to feel left out.
Leo’s parents said: “But as you can see by the photo, he's way too big for it, it can't provide shelter from the elements and a buggie this size can be very unstable on roads and footpaths around Dundalk, especially on footpaths that aren't the main street.”
The fundraiser aimed to buy a mobility buggie that can “cater to his needs up until adulthood… It is serviceable with spare parts available.” The McEvoys plan to leave it at school Monday to Friday and bring it home on weekends and during holidays so Leo can have “a life he truly deserves.”
Following the target goal being met Leo’s parents shared their gratitude with the community: “Thank you, thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We reached our goal in 3 hours thanks to you… You are Leo’s hero.”