Sam raises over £4,000 for Foyle Down Syndrome Trust

Sam Donaghy initially set out to raise £200 for the charity which has supported his family in the last two years.

However, he smashed that target within days and when he completed the 100 miles on November 20 he had raised £4,100.

Sam’s youngest sister Rosa has Down Syndrome and FDST has been a ‘lifeline’ to his family since she was born.

Rosa regularly attends classes at the organisation and the whole family are involved with the social side of FDST.

Mum Michelle said Sam was ‘so proud’ that he had raised so much money for the charity.

“It has been a huge buzz for him. So many people, from all over the world, have sent lovely messages to him and we are collecting them all and putting them into a book for him. He really doesn’t realise what a huge achievement it is.

“Sam’s school, Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, really got behind the challenge too and his whole class had a Zoom call with some of the adult users of the group. They then helped him complete some of the final miles.”

Michelle said that Sam is a caring boy, but is quite shy.

“The support he received from the school has helped bring him out of his comfort zone. When he completed the challenge, all of our family met him in Ebrington Square and were shouting and cheering him on. We are so proud of him.”

The fundraising page remains open and can be found at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=MichelleDonaghey1&pageUrl=1