The grand total of the Noah’s Bed Push fundraiser has been revealed today – with a whopping €237,112 going to nine superb charities.
Coming up with the very novel idea back in early April, the story of Noah’s Bed Push has shown human kindness at its best.
Noah’s Bed Push took place in August, and saw family and friends of special Trentagh boy Noah Gooch pushing a bed 250km from Dublin to Donegal. The challenge was inspired by Noah, aged six, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in January. Noah, who is the son of well-known radio presenter Lee Gooch and his wife Claire, has captured the hearts of thousands of people in Ireland and around the world.
Inspired by this special boy, a group of seven people embarked on a 250 kilometre-long-bed push departing Crumlin Hospital, Dublin on Thursday 19th August 2021 and, four days later, finished at Letterkenny University Hospital on Sunday 22nd August 2021.
COPYRIGHT CLIVE WASSON
Little did they know that setting out on this epic journey it would make such an impact. The group received messages and well wishes from every corner of the globe.
Facebook Live videos enabled people to join in on the journey and be a part of what was one of the biggest highlights of 2021.
Speaking after the event, Noah’s Dad Lee remembers that glorious welcome back into Donegal on Sunday 22nd August and crossing the Bridge at Lifford, “There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who kindly donated gave us a wave and came out to wish us well, it’s something my wife Claire and all my family will cherish forever”.
Noah’s father Lee Gooch (centre), Mary Duffy and Shaun Doherty push little Noah Gooch’s hospital bed through Lifford to Letterkenny University Hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the group Shaun Doherty said “It’s been one of the most rewarding events to be involved with and one I’ll never forget”.
The Group consisted of Lee Gooch, Shaun Doherty, Mary Duffy, Brian Mc Cracken, Leslie Donnell, Denis Ferry & Robert O’ Connor – Driver Pius Mc Fadden, Social Media Ciara Mackey & Jimmy Stafford.
August 2021: Supporters and sponsors at the Letterkenny Shopping Centre as Noah’s Bed Push hit the road: from left Michelle Ferry, Mc Elhinney’s Ballybofey, John Watson, Watson Hire, Paddy Campbell, BizzPrint, Leslie O Donnell, Gordon Randles, Letterkenny Credit Union, Pious Mc Fadden, Lee Mc Fadden, Made to Measure Fireplaces, Denis Ferry, Manus Mc Fadden, Dermot Doherty, Restex Bedding, Robert O Connor, Ricky Boal, Pinehill Industrial Estate, Brian Mc Cracken, Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Damien Doherty, 3D Personnel, Gemma Porter, Mary Duffy, Shaun Doherty and Lee Gooch. Photo Clive Wasson
“We are especially grateful for the huge effort of the local and national An Garda Siochana and The PSNI for all their assistance en-route from Dublin to Donegal,” they said.
The nine beneficiaries chosen by The Gooch Family will each receive €26,345 This will enable them to help other families who have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness
The nine organisations which will benefit from Noah’s Bed Push are the Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin, Letterkenny University Hospital Children’s Ward, Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Donegal Down Syndrome Association, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie National Children’s Cancer Charity, Children Disability Network Team Donegal North, Bumbleance Children’s National Ambulance Service and Blood Bike North West.
