Surfers Catch the Wave of Support for Alan

‘Surf-ism’ returns to benefit Letterkenny Teen

Surfism, Sandinos,

Thu 12^th July,

Door 930

Local and national media have focused recently on the case of Letterkenny teenager Alan Doherty. Alan (17) was born without a chin, and is undergoing a long series of tests and operations both at home and in America. A quarter of a million euro is needed to pay for the stages of facial surgery to have a new mandible fashioned, then drafted to Alan’s lower skull. Alan’s condition is all but unknown in medical history, and as the campaign to support him grows, Derry and Donegal surfers plan to unite in putting on a benefit on Thursday 12^th July in Sandinos Bar, Derry. Commenting, Paul McBride from the Friends of Alan Doherty said:

“Things are going really well. Alan is in America at the minute, recovering from his primary surgery. We continue to appeal to everyone to get behind this campaign to make sure he receives the best medical help available. Alan is in good spirits, although this is a long road, and there is much more surgery needed to gain the full effect of the ground breaking surgery that we hope will give him a whole new life. At this stage we hope Alan may be home just in time to attend Surfism in Sandinos on the 12th”.

Last year, ‘Surfism’ was staged in Derry to help Bundoran woman Shauna Ward represent Ireland at the ISA World Surf Championships in California. The event draws on the talents of local acoustic artists and DJs in an easy going, surf friendly atmosphere. Radio Foyles Mark Patterson edits the BBC online surf platform. He said:

“Everyone who has been lucky enough to meet Alan has been touched by his humour, and the firm resolve to have his face rebuilt. You meet him once and you never forget him. I was lucky enough to interview him on air, and the response was immediate. Offers of help came in, and among the local surfing fraternity, there was also a desire to do something. Surfers are party people, so we’re throwing a party for Alan the night before half the country leaves for Oxegen. With acoustic artists like Our Krypton Son and Keith Harkin on board, Surfism should be special, and were asking the whole town to catch the wave of support for Alan with us on the night.”

This event is sponsored by Troggs, Adventure One and Liquid Surf.

Editors notes.

1. “Surf-ism”, the Alan Doherty benefit, Sandinos Bar, Derry. Thur 12^th July. Door: £3+. 930pm. Surfy visuals.

2. Our Krypton Son, Keith Harkin, Tina McLoughlin and Ronan Kearney will perform.

3. DJ’s will include Mickma, jAy and Kazoo.

4. It is estimated that upwards of 8000 people in Ireland now surf regularly

5. Photo opportunities can be made by calling Mark Patterson at Radio Foyle 71 378600

6. BBC NI’s surf website: www.bbc.co.uk/ni/surfing or mail mark.patterson@bbc.co.uk

7. A full press release is attached. A jpeg image of Alan Doherty is attached.

  Roxy Shimmer Event coming to Portrush. Full details being announced shortly, dates for Portrush Sunday 29th and Monday 30th July, tickets priced at £25 per day, including surf coaching, yoga and fitness, lunch and screening of the latest Roxy Surf Movie ‘Shimmer’. More information on Quiksilvers website here http://roxyshimmer.quiksilver-europe.com/en,the_tour.html