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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

NI councillor Ryan McCready's heartwarming gesture to woman who didn't have date to ball

A Derry councillor has touched the hearts of people from across the city after a video online shows the moment he shows up to fulfil a heartwarming promise.

Ulster Unionist councillor, and Foyle MLA candidate, Ryan McCready posted the video on his social media channels over the weekend showing him outside the Waterfoot Hotel in the Waterside area of the city before surprising his special date Claire Tudor inside.

Claire, who is part of ASpace2, can be seen barely containing her excitement as she gives Cllr McCready a handshake followed by a hug.

Read more: Plans unveiled for new indoor mini golf extension at Derry bowling alley

"A couple of months ago I had a visit to ASpace2 in Campsie where they look at multisensory complex needs for adults with autism and so on," Ryan explained.

"I am going to surprise someone called Claire who didn't have a date and I promised that I would be her date and so I am going to go in and surprise her and see what reaction that I get."

The Co Derry centre was holding a fundraising ball on April 23 to fund a new multisensory room while also celebrating its 10th year.

In the footage, Cllr McCready surprises Claire to a score of laughing and cheering, saying: "I told you... did you think I was going to stand you up?"

Claire, quite confidently, responded: "No."

The video sparked a flurry of reactions from both sides of the community.

Commenting on the video, one viewer said: "I love this, made my day!"

Another wrote: "Such a gentleman Ryan hope everyone had a wonderful evening."

A third person said: "Amazing, such a nice gesture. Hope you all have a fab night."

Read more: Plans for major redevelopment of NI's oldest linen mill site

Read more: Girl's amazing portrait of loving granda goes viral

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