This weekend marked the culmination of months of planning and preparation by the dedicated community around Niall, Deborah and Kevin O’Doherty from Derry, Northern Ireland.
Florence, our National Director and Sam, our Operations Manager were privileged to join the O’Doherty family and their community, in celebrating the final leg of local GP, Dr Gavin McAteer’s epic Mizen to Malin Head running challenge. After seeing a plaque last year, which highlighted the 362 mile distance between the two points in Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dr Gavin decided it was a challenge he wanted to undertake!
Dr Gavin received a hero’s welcome to his home town of Derry, as he passed through on Friday night. The wonderful O’Doherty family, the Mayor of Derry, Florence and Sam and more supporters formed the rousing cheerpoint!
A big thank you to Councillor Graham Warke, the Mayor of Derry for his positivity, warmth and generosity, and for conducting a tour of The Guildhall for our team and Niall’s family.
Arriving at the finish line
On Saturday, Dr Gavin was greeted at the top of a rocky outcrop on Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, by his own family, the O’Doherty’s, their scores of supporters (including Florence and Sam) and the proud local community.
Stronger together
It was a powerful demonstration of the community coming together, as over 40 people ran behind Dr Gavin on the final leg of his journey, up the steep hill to Malin Head, the northernmost point of Northern Ireland. His supportive and encouraging wife, Donna, who has been behind Gavin throughout his gruelling training, was flanked by dozens of supporters at the top of the hill.
Thank you to the wonderful O’Doherty family who have selflessly chosen to donate every penny they raise in their fundraising activities to further research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Watch the video created by Deborah O’Doherty
Thank you from Action Duchenne
I was overwhelmed by the support network around the loving, resilient and inspiring O’Doherty family and found the experience incredibly moving. Having learned more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and after getting to know Niall O’Doherty, (who lives with Duchenne) and his family, Dr Gavin and his support team were keen to raise the profile of the condition, increase the quality of life for everyone living with Duchenne along with raising vital funds for Action Duchenne and our Duchenne community.
Research is at the heart of our mission as we strive to beat Duchenne. We will leave no stone unturned in the quest for effective treatment! On behalf of Action Duchenne and the Duchenne community, I am grateful for your generous support. In particular long-standing supporters, Deborah and Kevin O’Doherty and their friends and family. Thank you and congratulations to Dr Gavin who has run 362 miles from the bottom to the top of Ireland this week. Thanks for their wonderful efforts in raising awareness about Duchenne, as well as raising money to help find an effective treatment for the condition. Thank you.
Florence Boulton, National Director, Action Duchenne
Why Action Duchenne
We are proud to spend 87p in every £1 raised on charitable activities, and the money raised will help us continue to fund effective treatments for Duchenne, and eventually a cure for the muscle-wasting condition.
Get involved
Help us plan our long-term projects and become a Member of Action Duchenne. Please set up a regular donation here and receive invitations to our quarterly Members’ Meetings along with receiving a Members’ Welcome Pack.
Mizen 2 Malin Head gallery
Photos from Derry
Photos from the finish line at Malin Head
The start of the 362 miles at Mizen Head and the journey
Your invitation to the newly diagnosed Duchenne family event
