Donegal family present Irish Heart Foundation with €1,553 raised from Christmas Swim

Pictured at the cheque presentation were, l-r, Frances Doherty, Ruth Guy, Director of Fundraising at the Irish Heart Foundation and Francie Doherty

placeholder image — Pictured at the cheque presentation were, l-r, Frances Doherty, Ruth Guy, Director of Fundraising at the Irish Heart Foundation and Francie Doherty

Swim in memory of Dean Doherty, Ballyshannon

The Doherty family from Coolcholly in Ballyshannon recently presented the Irish Heart Foundation with a cheque for €1,533 which they raised in memory of their much-loved son and brother Dean.

Dean, who had just turned 30, died suddenly in June 2018 at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

A fun-loving young man, Dean (pictured) is sorely missed by so many, and Christmas, being a time he loved so much at home in Donegal, was particularly difficult for his family.

However, to honour his memory, his parents Frances and Francie, supported by their family, raised €1,553 on Christmas Day as part of the annual Creevy Pier swim.

Recently Ruth Guy, Director of Fundraising for the Irish Heart Foundation, travelled to Ballyshannon to accept the cheque from Francis and Francie.

She said the fundraising efforts by people such as the Doherty family was vital for the Irish Heart Foundation in their efforts to offer screening, CPR training and to support those suffering from cardio vascular disease and stroke.

Swimmers who participated in the Christmas Day swim which raised funds for a number of good causes, among them the Irish Heart Foundation Picture Thomas Gallagher