Families in need are set to benefit from a major event next month in honour of Buncrana teen Rocco McGinley, RIP.
Rocco’s 18th birthday weekend will see a charity ball taking place in The Inishowen Gateway on Friday 8th August, with proceeds going to Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, The Gavin Glynn Foundation, the Buncrana Children’s Charity and Scoil Iosagain Sensory Unit.
Scoil Mhuire Buncrana student Rocco sadly passed away at the age of 15 following two years of treatment for terminal brain cancer.
Thanks to a major fundraising drive called ‘Rocco’s Road to Recovery’, Rocco was able to travel to Texas for intensive treatment.
The diagnosis was every parents’ worst nightmare, said his parents, Yvonne Hegarty from Rathmullan and Wade Mc Ginley from Buncrana.
They say the charity ball is about supporting other families facing the difficult challenge of having to leave work because of a child’s unexpected illness.
“We tried so hard to save him,” Yvonne and Wade wrote in an emotional post.
Yvonne and Wade said that their journey was made bearable by the immense support they received from all over the world.
“In many ways those fundraising events locally and our trips to Texas were what got us through those dark days. Rocco met so many wonderful people who supported him and he was so grateful and overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, as were we,” they said.
“Rocco had an unwavering positive attitude and we were so proud of him, so very proud as we watched as he worked his way around the various events thanking people who were helping him on his journey.
“But as parents we were absolutely heart broken that we were here, in this situation with our amazing, kind boy who was so young and who had his whole life ahead of him.”
Two years on from Rocco’s passing in February 2021, his 18th birthday will be celebrated during a special and emotional night of remembrance and fundraising. The incomparable Micky Doherty will be compere. Music will be provided by Jack Gill, Matthew Crampsie, the David James Band, and We Love Sax and DJ. A charity auction will also take place, led by Mark McLaughlin.
Rocco would be delighted to know that his legacy will be helping others, his parents said.
“Rocco was everything you could want from a child, he was the light of our lives, the centre of our world. He was funny, charismatic and adored by his siblings and friends.
“Our hearts will never be whole again but with your support we hope this charity event held on Roccos 18th birthday will help other families and because of that we know Rocco would be happy.”
For ticket information, visit the Facebook page: Rocco’s 18th Birthday Charity Ball
Those who cannot attend are invited to donate online at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Roccos18thcharityball1
Businesses and individuals who wish to provide sponsorship are invited to contact: roccomcginleycharityball@gmail.com
