Music fundraiser to aid mother who fell ill abroad

The Donohoe family of Abbeylara are appealing to the generosity of the community and country music lovers in particular to support a fundraiser for a member who has fallen ill.

Vanessa Donohoe was on a family trip to Salou with her husband PJ and their children (aged six, three and two), when, on June 9 last, she suffered a severe brain aneurysm.

She is being treated at a Barcelona hospital and has undergone a number of brain surgeries.

Her family, in Abbeylara and in Newtowncunningham, County Donegal, where she is from and where she lives, are organising fundraising appeals to help with the considerable expenses.

Vanessa’s insurance covers only part of the costs, and the funds already generously donated are almost exhausted.

Friends and the wider community in Abbeylara would like Vanessa’s family to spend as much time as possible with her, and appeal to everyone to help in any way they can.

Vanessa’s father-in-law TJ Donohoe is organising a fundraising night at Abbeylara Parish Centre on Monday July 23, when a large number of artists have committed to performing.

It’s shaping up to be an entertaining night, for a good cause. On the lineup are Mick Flavin, Cliona Hagan, Aidan Quinn, Gloria – Breda and Stephanie Donohoe, Gerry Guthrie, Mary O’Connor, Frank Nelson, Chuck and June, Simon Casey, Dave Lawlor, Keelan, Martin Cuffe, and the seven-piece band Off the Kuff are providing backing music. The MC is Frankie Kilbride and tickets are €15.

Find the ' Vanessa Donohoe Fundraising Campaign' on Facebook.