Derry family launch fundraiser for second ‘Hoist Away’ cabin

The Dohertys say the state-of-the-art cabin, which is fully equipped with facilities such as a hoist and a profiling bed, changed their lives for the better and allowed them and their daughter, Lauren, to have a family holiday.

Lauren has complex physical and mental health needs and, for her parents Joe and Maura, a family holiday was almost impossible as the facilities and equipment Lauren needs just weren’t available.

But Hoist Away, for people who rely in a hoist and their families, changed all that.

The cabin is in high demand, not just locally, but with families from across the UK and Ireland and a second cabin could help them have a holiday by the sea.

The Dohertys want to help these other families achieve this and have launched a public fundraiser to raise money for its construction.

Joe Doherty, Lauren’s father, told the Journal how he cannot begin to explain how much the cabin means to Lauren.

“It makes such a difference to her. She loves it. We all do. It’s not just a holiday for Lauren, or for the person with special needs, it’s also a holiday for the parents and carers as well. The scenery there in Culdaff is stunning and the noise of the water is so relaxing.

“Una (McGinley - who set up Hoist Away) is amazing and has had to turn away so many people looking to stay, as the demand is so high. It would be great to get a second one for other families.”

Joe told how, any time they took Lauren on holiday before, they would have to take two cars as they needed to bring all her specialist equipment.

“But, everything is there in the cabin, It’s even better equipped than our own house. It’s also pet friendly, which is great as a lot of people have a therapy or guide dog. You don’t have to worry about anything and this means so much.”

The facility recently added a great new amenity to the site - a wheelchair swing.

“Lauren just loved it,” said Joe.

“Small things like that, to be able to go on the swing with her, mean so much. We really would appreciate any donation towards the second cabin.”

The family has already managed to fundraise over E1500 on a Facebook fundraiser but donations can now be sent via a Go Fund Me page.

You can donate to this at https://www.gofundme.com/f/special-needs-cabin-for-wheelchair-users.

You can find out more about Hoist Away on Facebook.