Fundraiser
Fundraiser set up for much-loved Limerick man Paddy Doyle
Paddy Doyle is described as someone who “loves being social, he loves going into town and interacting with people, socialising” by his friends who want to raise funds for a mobility scooter and ramp.
A fundraiser has been set up for a well-known Limerick man Paddy Doyle, to help provide a mobility scooter and ramp, after he was sadly diagnosed with stage-four cancer
By I Love Limerick correspondent Cian Reinhardt
Speaking to I Love Limerick, his friend Celine Hickey, who set up a Gofundme page in a bid to raise some much-needed funds, said, “Well, Paddy is Paddy, he will always be the same, he has never changed, he was out and proud back in the 80s when being gay was a major ‘no-no’ in people’s lives and views, it was illegal.
But he stuck to his guns, he is who he is and he helped a lot of people come through tough times with their own sexuality, in the way they were able to come out themselves, him being a strong individual. He was a founding member of the Limerick gay scene, he did so much for many people throughout the years, so I think this is his turn now to get something back now that he’s going through stuff.”
Paddy was recognised with Nicole Dunphy in 2021’s celebration of Limerick Pride which marked 20 years since the two first brought a weekend of club nights to Limerick celebrating Pride.
Having received positive news that his initial cancer diagnosis was reacting well to treatment, Celine explains Paddy got bad news in recent weeks that the cancer was now stage-four and was affecting his leg and hip making it difficult for him to get around.
“He loves being social, he loves going into town and interacting with people, socialising,” Celine told I love Limerick, continuing, “So at the moment he can’t do that because he is relying on a walker and he can only take a few steps and stop, so he is relying on a lot of people for lifts and things, and of course we help when we can, but he is very independent. Anyone that knows Paddy, knows he is independent and like. The mobility scooter means he can come and go as he pleases.”
As well as the mobility scooter, she explains there are several steps leading to Paddy’s house so a ramp would be needed for entry, and with that other adaptations may be required like the widening of the door among others.
“Down the road, it is nice to say that there is a little fund there to put away so if there is something that is needed that he can have it, that he is not going on a waiting list and waiting months if not years for these items,” she said.
Having been set up just two days ago on Monday, May 15, the fundraiser has raised more than €8,000 with Celine Hickey, the page’s creator saying she is “blown away” by the support shown by people.
“It’s phenomenal the way people have come together and supported Paddy, in return for the way he has done things throughout the years for charities, it is phenomenal,” said Celine.