Rachael Blackmore and Daniel O’Donnell lend support to 250km bed push fundraiser

Event named after Noah Gooch (6) who was diagnosed with leukaemia in January

Champion jockey Rachael Blackmore and singer Daniel O'Donnel are among those supporting a 250km fund-raising bed push across the country later this week.

The event has been organised by the parents of a six-year-old boy receiving care at both Crumlin and Letterkenny hospitals since being diagnosed with leukaemia in January.

Noah's Bed Push is named after Noah Gooch (6), from Trentagh near Letterkenny in Co Donegal. His parents Lee and Claire Gooch have huge praise for all those who have helped care for their son, who was born with Down Syndrome.

While it is still early days with his treatment, they wanted to give something back in return for the life-saving medical care their son has received this year and all funds raised will go towards nine hospitals and agencies supporting families with life-threatening illnesses.

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“It’s still only early days for us. We’re six months into a treatment that takes three and a half years,” Lee Gooch said.

The bed will be pushed over four days from Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin to Letterkenny University Hospital in Donegal, starting on Thursday.

Singer Daniel O’Donnell said it was an honour to participate. “It is fantastic to be raising awareness of these wonderful groups and to play a part in raising much-needed funds for these special causes,” he said.

Other celebrities who have sent video messages to support the event are singer Nathan Carter and former Ireland footballer Ray Houghton.

The nine organisations which will benefit from any funds raised 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.