Donald lives the American dream
Donald Munro, who lives in the city’s Cheshire House, needed to raise £8000 to go on his dream holiday.
Because Donald suffers from a condition which affects his brain signals to the rest of his body, causing abnormal postures and spasms, two carers accompanied the 30-year-old on his trip.
The cash was raised through car boot sales, friends and staff members doing sponsored runs, work by Donald’s mum Linda and Donald himself giving the appeal a public profile on Facebook and its own webpage.
Highland News coverage of Merkinch Primary School’s efforts to help Donald resulted in generous donations from readers, as well as £500 from the Disability Aid Trust.
Donald said: “Seeing the famous skyline of New York lighting up the night as we arrived at 4am was absolutely breathtaking. I feel very lucky to say I’ve been to such cities as New York and Quebec and been inside the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and stood on the bridge looking down over Niagara Falls is something very special to me.”
He added: “This holiday was always very important to me because I was going to get to visit Canada which I’ve had a fascination with as long as I can remember. What made it even more important was the fact that I wasn’t only going to see some of Canada but also some of America and I didn’t know if I would ever get this lucky again.
“Aboard the Arcadia was like living in a five star hotel surrounded by miles of sea. We had non-stop fun from the moment we left Southampton, drinking, eating and partying every day into the small hours. After our meal in the evenings we would often go to see a show or take part in whatever entertainment was on that night, whether it was a pub quiz or karaoke in the disco.
“During the days at sea we would spend time by the outdoor pool, in the cinema, catching a show or just taking a wander around our new 10-floor home.”
Donald told the HN the time away happened thanks to everyone who supported him.
“This holiday has been everything and more that I could have ever dreamed and it wouldn’t have happened without the support and generosity of the people who donated money to cover the cost of my two carers. I thank you all very much for helping this holiday happen.”
Karen Fraser, care supervisor at Cheshire House, said: “They could have flown home rather than sailed, judging by how high they were on their return.
“It really was a trip of a lifetime for Donald. There was a lot of work for staff sorting out the logistics, but it was definitely worth it after hearing all about the trip.”
She added: “I think it’s great for a disabled person to come out of their usual scenery and experience travel, something which most of us take for granted.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without all the help from everyone raising the money.”
Donald’s condition is dystonia, a neurological movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.
