Local man walking 65km on his 65th birthday in memory of beloved sister and friend

Gerry will walk four laps of Lough Fea every day from the 5th of July before completing five laps on the 8th of July- his 65th birthday

placeholder image — Gerry will walk four laps of Lough Fea every day from the 5th of July before completing five laps on the 8th of July- his 65th birthday

"Eileen and Marie both ran fundraisers for this charity in the past and I feel it would be fitting to do the same in their memory and raise money to help"

Gerry Donnelly is set to walk 65km over four days to raise vital funds in loving memory of his little sister, Eileen Fitzgerald and beloved friend of 37 years, Marie Gormley.

All monies raised from his 40 mile trek are set to be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gerry has already raised nearly £2,000 with the end goal of raising £6,500- true to the theme of the fundraiser and as he explained, "the magic number."

Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest charities in the UK and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. They also campaign for better cancer care with the goal to reach and improve the lives of everyone who has cancer in the UK.

The Draperstown local said he will walk the full 65km and a couple extra kilometres for good luck.

"It is now or never for my 65th birthday and while I still can," Gerry said "I plan to walk 65km, 1km for each year and a couple extra for luck.

"Eileen and Marie both ran fundraisers for this charity in the past and I feel it would be fitting to do the same in their memory and raise money to help."

The soon to be 65 year old will walk four laps of Lough Fea every day from the 5th of July before completing five laps on the 8th of July- his 65th birthday.

Gerry added: "I would like to thank everyone for supporting my fundraising. It is for such a great cause and the belief and faith you all have in me; I'm truly blown away."

Everyone that sponsors Gerry will also be entered into a prize draw to win a hot air balloon flight based in Draperstown as his good friends have donated the experience.

To sponsor Gerry, please visit: https://www.justgiving. com/page/gerard-donnelly- 1683101455404?utm_source= facebook&utm_medium=one_page& utm_content=page%2Fgerard- donnelly-1683101455404&utm_ campaign=pfp-share&utm_term= 4e39d75bcc294566b729296cfccd29 77&fbclid=IwAR3Zu-H- tD4lufccBlNDp_mweAffe_ p4kjwCZ1a_BNgd35sBadb8Jhlw7K4