Fundraiser set up to bring seriously injured motorcyclist home to Derry

The gofundme: Help Bring John Donaghey Home From Spain (https://gofund.me/163182204) was set up by John’s close friend, Sean Barr.

“On Sunday, September 13, 2026, John had a terrible motorcycle accident in Spain,” said Sean.

“He has suffered a lot of injuries, including 11 broken ribs, which punctured the membrane between his ribs and around his lungs and caused him to get Pneumothorax,” he added.

“John also sustained a broken wrist in two places, a broken leg, and severe road rash all over his body.

“Grainna, his wife is with John now and they are getting treated unfairly by the Spanish hospital staff.

“The language barrier is causing tension and frustration between both parties.

“Basically, John needs medical assistance home, by road ambulance, which is very expensive. Air ambulance is out of the question for John, unfortunately, for six months, due to his respiratory issue.

“The hospital has advised that it will not issue a ‘fit to fly’ certificate,” said Sean, who added that John did pay for travel insurance before he left home but he has subsequently found himself unable to claim medical repatriation on the policy.

“So, if we could all come together as a community far and wide,” said Sean, “and make a donation to this cause to bring John home and make his journey as comfortable as possible, so he can receive the medical treatment he needs along the way, we would greatly appreciate it.”

“This is a very expensive trip to get John home, and any donation, big or small will be appreciated, as every little helps. Thank you so much in advance for all your help.”

Posting on social media, another of John’s friends, Michael Kelly said John was well known among the biking scene in Derry and on Waterloo Street in the city.

“Any and all donations will be massively appreciated,” he added. “We will be putting together a fundraising event in the next few weeks also and all support will be massively appreciated.”