The mother of Buncrana woman Danielle Mc Laughlin has shared her hope that local fundraisers can help her family get closer to the truth about her tragic death.

Danielle Mc Laughlin

Danielle was 28 years old when she was found dead in the Goa region of India on March 14th 2017. An Indian man has been charged with her rape and murder, but her loved ones continue to seek answers about what happened on the day her life was cut short.

Danielle’s mother Andrea tells Donegal Woman why a campaign was established to help pay for legal fees so her family can get closer to the truth.

“The Truth For Danielle Mc Laughlin campaign is to find out the TRUTH of what happened to a girl who touched the hearts of anyone she met,” says Andrea.

“Our goal is for Danielle to still have a voice even though hers was cruelly taken from her. Without the public’s ongoing love and support for the Truth For Danielle Mc Laughlin we can never have justice for losing someone we will always love and cherish dearly.”

A Night of Country dance will take place tomorrow (Thursday, July 20th) in the Plaza, Buncrana to raise funds for the campaign. There will also be a Colour Run in Buncrana on July 29th to pay tribute to Danielle’s bright nature.

Andrea says these events are as much about giving thanks to the community as they are about gathering more support for the campaign:

“We want to give back to the community which is why we organised this dance and the colour run which is similar to the Holi fesival (festival of colours) that Danielle was at the day she was stolen from us… this is our way to say thank you to the community while still raising much-needed profit so we can get justice.”

Tomorrow’s Night of Country will feature top stars David James and David Craig. The event begins at 8pm in the Plaza, Buncrana.

Tickets can be purchased from Macs Bookstore, Buncrana, Halfway Stores, Burnfoot or the Lunchbox, Buncrana. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

There will be a country themed raffle on the night with some great autographed memorabilia from popular artists.

A sneak peek at the prizes includes:

  • A country hamper that includes a signed Mary Black CD
  • €50 voucher for Restex beds
  • Tommy Tiernan signed DVD
  • €50 Beach House voucher
  • Litre bottle of vodka
  • Signed Mike Denver CD

Danielle Mc Laughlin

Buncrana’s First Colour Run

There will be a Colour Run on July 29th to honour Danielle’s final days in a positive light, remembering the colourful Holi Festival in India.

The run takes place on Saturday, July 29th, at 1pm, leaving from Buncrana Leisure Centre.

Organisers said: “It was the Holi festival or colour festival Danielle was visiting when she was sadly killed, so her family and friends thought what better way than remembering Danielle than through something she spent her last day doing.

“The colour run is for people of all ages and we want this to be a great day of fun for all the family, food and drinks will be served after the run which begins at the Leisure Centre, Buncrana and travels to Swan Park and back again with plenty colour stations and surprises on the way.”

Tickets are €20 for adults, €10 for children under 12 and please ask about family discounts.

Check the Facebook page for methods of registration.

Colourful wristbands are on sale now throughout Buncrana and Donegal to support the movement and remember the much-loved young tourist. For more information about stockists, visit the Truth for Danielle Mc Laughlin Facebook Page