Family 'blown away' by response to raise funds for Cork naval officer left in hospital after accident

Donal ‘Donie’ Goulding has himself raised funds for a Cork hospice as well as several hospital children’s wards

Senior chief petty officer in the Irish Navy Donal 'Donie' Goulding was cycling with three friends in Spain a week ago when they were hit by a passing vehicle.

A fundraiser to help the family of a member of the Irish navy, who remains in a coma after the group he was cycling with in Spain was struck by a car, has reached almost €85,000.

Donal ‘Donie’ Goulding, a 59-year-old Irish navy senior chief petty officer from Cork, was cycling with three friends in Orihuela a week ago when they were hit by a passing vehicle.

One of the cyclists was treated at the roadside while the other three were hospitalised. The most seriously injured of the group, Mr Goulding remains in an induced coma in hospital.

Dave O’Leary, a friend and former colleague of Mr Goulding, said Mr Goulding’s family was “absolutely blown away” by the support they have received.

“I started this fundraiser in the hope that Donie’s family would be able to be with him while he’s in hospital without having to worry about the cost, but we never expected this level of support,” he said.

“The doctors are monitoring Donie closely as he remains in an induced coma. They are concerned about swelling around his brain, and they will be carrying out further tests as the weeks go on.

“Donie and his family have a very long road in front of them, but we can’t thank people enough for their kindness and generosity," Mr O'Leary said.

We're all absolutely blown away by how decent everyone has been.

On Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had passed €84,300.

Separately, members of the Defence Forces have begun their own fundraising campaign to help Mr Goulding, and a spokesperson said members of its personnel support services (PSS) had been in contact with Mr Goulding’s family to offer support.

"The PSS has made contact with senior chief petty officer (SCPO) Donal Goulding's family," the spokesperson said. "Our thoughts are with SCPO Goulding, his family, friends and colleagues during this trying time."

A keen supporter of various charity fundraisers himself, Mr Goulding was involved in a charity cycle ride from Mizen to Malin Head raising funds for a Cork hospice, and he has also raised funds for several hospital children’s wards.

Donations can be made on the gofundme page.