Donegal teen to attempt Bundoran-Mountcharles bed push for Little Blue Heroes

A Mountcharles teenager will push a hospital bed from Bundoran to Mountcharles to raise money for Little Blue Heroes.

Christopher Monaghan (16), who studies at Abbey Vocational School, will attempt the nearly 40km challenge on Saturday, August 9, with a group of friends, in an attempt to raise €3,000 for the charity that assisted his family, whilst his little sister, Aisling (3), was seriously ill.

A raffle with prizes will be held at Jimmy’s Tavern in Mountcharles after the challenge is completed. 

Little Blue Heroes is a not-for-profit registered charity led by Garda and retired Garda members, and aims to support families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through positive community engagement. 

His mother, Ceara, told Donegal Live: “Aisling had two open-heart surgeries before she was six months old. She was born with a single ventricle on the right side of her heart. She would have spent a lot of time in Crumlin. 

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“The charity reached out to us, offering support, financial support, and if we needed anything in terms of clothing or other things. We were very touched by the generosity. Since we have got home, they have been a very supportive charity to us.”

Christopher said: “We’re just doing it because my sister is an honorary guard for the Little Blue Heroes. They have done so much when my sister was in hospital.

“They arranged summer parties, Christmas parties, and helped us out a lot.”

When asked why they chose a hospital bed push challenge, Ciara commented: “I guess when he came up with the idea, he wanted to do something for charity, which was really sweet.

“Christopher was trying to think of different things to do, so we were brainstorming. He contacted all his mates, and it took off from there. We contacted the Little Blue Heroes, and they were delighted. 

“He and his friends from school and football were all enthusiastic and were on board to help do this.  

“We picked Bundoran to Mountcharles because it is a straighter route and we have got permission from An Garda Síochána to do that.”

Christopher appeared confident that he and his teammates would be ready for the physical challenge. He stated: “All of my friends play football, so we train every week, and we all do 5km around the block, so we are prepared for it. 

“It is a hospital bed, it will be on wheels, so hopefully it will go well for us, and it will not be too heavy.”

If you wish to donate to Christopher's cause, you can do so at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ChristopherM