Mystery Good Samaritan helps out another financially strapped family

Mystery Good Samaritan helps out another financially strapped family

By Mary Dennehy

A GOOD Samaritan from Tallaght has for the second time offered to anonymously support a local family in need after reading their story in The Echo.

Last week, The Echo ran a story on Tallaght father Des Coffey who is the sole carer for his 23-year-old daughter Danielle, who has Down’s syndrome and autism and requires 24/7 care.

Des Coffey carer 3

Living in Tymonville, Des spoke in last week’s edition about the need for politicians to recognise carers and their families – alongside the need for the provision of adequate funding to organisations such as Family Carers Ireland, which is the newly merged organisation of The Carers Association.

While speaking of the “huge financial burden” on families who care for a loved one in the home, Des mentioned how he was unable to meet his rising car insurance costs and was bringing Danielle to day-care by bus daily – creating a highly stressful situation for both Des and his daughter.

However, this week an anonymous Tallaght resident, who also put a homeless family up in the Plaza Hotel last year (see below) after reading their story in The Echo, offered to support Des in getting his car back on the road.

22DK2015-04-23e1

A family member of the anonymous Good Samaritan told The Echo: “He [the Good Samaritan] was really moved by Des’s story last week and all that he does for his daughter.

“Not having a car is hugely impacting on this family and he [the Good Samaritan] wanted to help, knowing the difference it would make to both Des and Danielle.

“Des is a genuine man and wasn’t asking for anything in his story and when we spoke with him about sorting out his car, he was so grateful – this changes everything for him.”

The anonymous resident has offered to support Des in getting a smaller, more reliable car – which will be cheaper to insure and more manageable to run in the future.

Speaking to The Echo, Des said: “I’m over the moon, I’m in shock but absolutely delighted.

“Having a car will make a mega difference to me and Danielle, it will change everything for us.

“We haven’t had a car for the past two months and it’s been very tough. Danielle is very anxious and stressed on public transport, so other than bringing her to day-care, we have been pretty much confined to the house.

“Danielle has not been too happy with the situation the past few months, but this news will make her day.”

He added: “I can’t thank this person enough, you hear of Good Samaritans but never think it will cross your door.
“Myself and Danielle are so grateful to this person, thank you so much.”

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