Police in Spain are investigating a driver after a car crashed into a group of Irish riders, leaving Corkman Donie Goulding seriously injured and in a coma a week after the crash (Photo: Alvaro Laguna)
The family of Donie Goulding, the Irish club rider most seriously injured when his group was hit by a driver in Spain, has said they are "overwhelmed" by the level of support since the crash in southern Spain last Wednesday.
A GoFundMe campaign - to cover Donie's medical bills and help the family remain in Spain with him - has raised almost €90,000, which is an incredible effort.
"The Goulding family has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown over the last few days," they said of support for them and Donie, who is well known from his time in the Naval Service and within the cycling community, as a rider with Ballincollig Crusaders Cycling Club.
"From serving and retired members of the Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces to Donie’s cycling colleagues, friends, and neighbours, your generosity has been a beacon of hope.
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"Because of your contributions, the family can remain by Donie’s side in Spain, focusing entirely on his recovery without the added burden of travel-related financial worries. Your support is making a tangible difference during this incredibly difficult time."
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Donie's family added while he remained in an induced coma, medics planned to "reduce some of Donie’s sedation to conduct further neurological tests". He would then be "monitored intensively over the next seven days".
"While we are hopeful, we understand that progress will likely be slow and steady. This is a marathon, not a sprint and we all know Donie was never a sprinter," the statement added.
Donie had just arrived in Spain, with other Irish cyclists, for a cycling holiday when he was one of three riders seriously injured after they were hit by a driver in a car. A fourth rider was also hurt, though it appears he was treated at the scene and did not need to be taken to hospital.
The three seriously injured cyclists - aged 56, 59, and 62 - were riding in a group when the collision occurred on the CV-925 road in the municipality of Orihuela. Civil Guard Traffic Unit officers and Orihuela Local Police rushed to the scene.
The crash happened just after 3.30pm local time on Wednesday, near the La Pedrera reservoir, close to the village of Torremendo.
The two cyclists who are seriously injured were taken to the Vega Baja Hospital while Donie, who suffered a head injury, was taken to the Vinalopó Hospital in Elche for treatment.
The link to the fundraiser can be found right here.
