Charity fundraiser in memory of Derry infant Daithi O'Doherty
A charity event is to be held next month in memory of a Derry infant who died last month.
A Day for Daithi, taking place on Sunday, May 15, will see FF Fitness members and their friends take on the might of Mount Errigal in Co Donegal in memory of little Daithi O’Doherty.
Daithi was just 16 months old when he passed away from mitochondrial disease.on March 5 last and his heartbroken parents, Karen and David, are trying to help ensure that in future other children and their families don’t face similar pain.by raising awareness and funds to fight the illness.
All money raised by the event will go to the Katie Rose Foundation, an organisation which was established to aid the search for a cure for mitochondrial disease and provide support for those families who will, unfortunately, not find one soon enough.
Seamus Fox, from FF Fitness, is a friend of Daithi’s family and felt it would be fitting to encourage members and their friends and families to show their support for them in any way they could.
He said: “I know Karen for many years and she and her family were heartbroken at the loss of their beautiful baby boy.
“When I asked her if there was any way we could help at FF Fitness she suggested that maybe we could raise much-needed funds and awareness of this terrible disease through a ‘Day for Daithi’ in aid of the Katie Rose Foundation.
“I would encourage FF Fitness members and non-members alike to support this worthy cause.”
Sponsorship forms are available from FF Fitness in Springtown, Derry for anyone who wants to take on the ‘Day for Daithi’ Mount Errigal challenge.
Even those who don’t wish to take part can donate through giving page at the following link http://bit.ly/1SmS6Pl
“Unfortunately a cure could not be found for Daithi’s condition but the strength and determination of his parents and the Katie Rose Foundation can ensure that other families do not endure the pain of Karen and David.
“Let’s do all we can to help the fight against mitochondrial disease by giving generously.
“We’re hoping to attract as many people as possible to take part and donate. A bus or hopefully several buses will leave FF Fitness Derry on Sunday, May 15 at 9.00am for the charity climb of Donegal’s highest peak and all are invited to get in touch with us to get involved. ” he added.
Seamus concluded: “To get involved contact FF Fitness Derry via Facebook or email via the ‘contact us’ page at www.ff-fitness.com To donate please log on to http://bit.ly/1SmS6Pl “
Mitochondrial disease refers to a group of disorders relating to issues with mitochondria. Mitochondria are tiny structures inside almost every cell in the human body, except red blood cells.
Mitochondria create energy from food and oxygen.
Almost all of the energy needed by the human body for life and growth comes from mitochondria.
When they fail, less energy is created within a cell. Cells become injured and can die as a result and when the process is repeated throughout the body, systems begin to fail, and life becomes endangered. The disease is primarily found in children but can also occur in adults.