10K a Day for Dáibhin – Support for a Brave Wee Fighter

Hi, I’m Declan Doherty from Shantallow in Derry. Like many people here, I’ve been really affected by what’s happened to wee Dáibhin McConnell-Mailey — a bright, happy 3-year-old who’s suddenly become seriously ill with a very rare and severe case of meningococcal disease, which caused both meningitis and sepsis. 

Read the Irish News article here

The McConnells are family friends, and we all grew up close to each other in Shantallow. Their story has shaken a lot of people — not just because it’s so rare and sudden, but because it’s happening to a young child from right here in our own community.

I’ve been sitting with the same feeling a lot of people have had — wanting to help but not knowing how. So I’ve decided to do something that’s simple but meaningful: I’m going to run 10K every day in June — 30 days, 300 kilometres — to raise money for Dáibhin and his family.

All the money raised will go straight to them, to help in whatever way they need — whether that’s travel costs, time off work, or anything else that might ease the pressure a bit during this really difficult time.

If you can donate anything at all, I’d be so grateful. And even if you can’t, just sharing this and keeping the family in your thoughts makes a difference too. Let’s show them how much support and love there is for them — from Shantallow and far beyond.