Christmas is a time of giving, but one Coleraine fan has given up so much over the last 20 years to help those in need.
Davy Boyle, the former caretaker at Coleraine Town Hall, has raised nearly £700,000 sitting outside his former place of work collecting for good causes since 1995.
With his festive sit-out and other fundraising ventures the football mad 69-year-old has raised £630,000 for numerous charities.
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Davy has made the decision that this year will be his final sit-out as he began his collection last Thursday.
In recognition for his selfless efforts down the years his friends decided it was time for Davy to receive 'One Big Thank You' with the help of his beloved Bannsiders and BBC's The One Show.
The Caring Caretaker was given a special tour of The Showgrounds but there was a bigger surprise to follow as Coleraine boss Oran Kearney highlighted Davy's contribution to the local community before the supporter was surprised by family, friends and celebrities when it was revealed there were all there in his honour.
They watched on as special messages of support were played from One Show host Ronan Keating and another of Davy's idols, former Liverpool star Steve McManaman were played.
"We've heard all about the fundraising you've been doing for such a wide variety of causes in such creative ways," said Keating. "Well done from us!"
McManaman also praised Davy'd efforts saying: "I just wanted to say from everyone here we're rooting for you as well.
"Keep up the good work. The people of Coleraine should be very, very proud of you."
And Coleraine boss Oran Kearney summed up that local pride in Davy as he said: "When we talk about community and everything that epitomises Coleraine for me there's no better man to talk about than David Boyle.
"On behalf of the BBC and The One Show I would like to offer you one big thank-you on behalf of all the sterling work you have done over the years for Coleraine and everyone around the borough."
As for the man himself he thanked everyone who has supported him down the years.
“People have been so good to me over the years and I’d like to thank them so much,” said Davy.
“I would be probably close to £700,000 if coronavirus >Covid hadn’t struck but hopefully the weather ’s good and we can do well.
“I know people are struggling this year so I’m thankful for anything I get.
“I’m looking forward to it but it will be strange, too, knowing that this will be my final year.
“I’m 70 next year and it’s sore on you - I just think it’s time to stop.”
If you would like to support Davy he will be in his distinctive wooden hut in Coleraine’s Diamond area between 9.30am and 4.30pm each day right up to Christmas Eve, excluding Sundays.
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