A young man who was left seriously injured while trying to rescue a dog from a gang, has said: “I’d do it again.”
Harry Doherty, 24, needed emergency hospital treatment after an altercation youths he challenged in mid July.
He suffered facial injuries in an assault and then hit his head on the ground where he fell, lying unconscious until two passers-by came to help him.
But inspite of his injuries and trauma, Harry from Derry, has this week told his mum Linda, he would do the same again to save a dog from having bottles and stones thrown at it.
Harry, who is a member of the Friends of Rescue animal welfare group, has received thousands of messages of support on the site.
A spokesperson explained the Derry man had undergone a brain scan in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast which showed a large area of blood at the back of his brain that was seeping into his spinal column, causing him great pain. But he is fully conscious and has not suffered a trauma induced aneurism.
The group spokesperson said: “His mum also told us that Harry said he would do the same again if he saw a dog being hurt. That in itself shows what type of person Harry is “Linda also told us that the comments on the page have brought both Harry and the wider family such comfort, and they wanted to thank everyone so much.
“Harry has a long way to go, so although this is good news your thoughts and prayers are still needed.
“Harry has been telling his family and the doctors that he just wants to get home to his dogs, and get a Guapo - a fresh Mexican coffee.”
And a funding page set up by a stranger to help animal lover Harry and his family as they travel from their home in Derry to Belfast for hospital appointments, has raised more than £1,300.
Police in Derry have since appealed for anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward including anyone who was driving in the area around 10.30pm, and who may have dashcam footage.
The PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives are investigating after a male was assaulted in Skeoge Road area of Derry on Sunday July 12. The 24-year-old was punched in the face and fell to the ground banging his head. The victim was assisted by two passers-by before being transferred to hospital by ambulance. His condition is understood to be very serious.
“Anyone who was in the area or who may have captured mobile phone or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2318 12/07/20. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
