Derry football star James McClean is making a Christmas dream come true by paying for a special bike for a little girl who has Spinabifida.
The Creggan man, who plays for West Bromich Albion and the Republic of Ireland, saw an appeal for help to buy the special hand cycle for the child. In response to the Facebook appeal to help raise the £1,500 necessary, McClean immediately paid the full amount.
The appeal was launched by fellow Derry man, William Sweeney who wanted to buy the bike for his goddaughter, Kaylee. Wheelchair-user Kaylee can only use a bike that is hand-propelled and Mr Sweeney wished to get her one for Christmas.
Mr Sweeney said he could not thank the football star enough.
"He’s truly a legend with a heart of gold, can’t wait to see Kaylee’s face when she gets her wee hand cycle bike on Christmas. Legend," he posted.
Earlier this month, the footballer extended the hand of sporting friendship to the GAA club he played with as a teenager.
Before signing for Derry City FC, McClean frequently lined out with GAA club Sean Dolans. Remaining true to his Creggan roots, the Derry man sponsored a new rig for the club. His gesture sparked a warm response from his former club on social media.
A Sean Dolans spokesman took to Facebook to describe him as a "true son of Creggan".
He posted: "James is a credit to the Creggan and is a real friend of Sean Dolans GAC."
