A Culdaff builder has taken the bull by the horns and is preparing to put his life at risk for charity  - in Spain!
For many years, fundraisers have taken part in weird and wonderful adventures in aid of good causes - but none are as hair-raising as the one to be undertaken by Inishowen’s very own matador. David “The Mill” McLaughlin will compete in   Pamplona Bull Run, recognised as one of the most dangerous events of its kind in the world.  At least 13 people have been killed taking part  in the event through the years with many more seriously injured.A manager on a building site in Belfast, David is confident he will be able to bulldoze his way through the narrow streets and bring home cash for the Alan Doherty Fund.David (46), has the full support of his wife, Mary, and sons, Conor (17) and Darragh (13), who are also travelling to the Spanish town to cheer him on.Speaking to the “Inish Times,” David revealed taking part in the run was something he always wanted to do.He explained: “You could compare me to the two characters played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in the film, ‘The Bucket List,’ I have a list of things I want to do, and this is one of them. We will be holidaying in the area at the time so I am taking the opportunity to take part.”David has already fulfilled a number of hair-raising adventures on his “list,” including white-water rafting and bunjee jumping. A former rugby player and now a keen golfer, he said he was confident of out-running the bulls over the 850 metre course. However, he did admit he was putting in some extra training.He said: “I used to live in England and played rugby there and considered myself to be pretty fast. That was a few years ago now. I have a treadmill in the house and I am doing a bit of running a cycling when I am home at the weekends. Somehow, I think I will be able to run very fast with a bull behind me.”David has already raised funds in aid of Alan McLaughlin Relief Fund but said he was hoping for much more.He explained: “When I decided I would do the run a friend suggested I should do it for charity. I have never met young Alan but saw him on television and was very moved. I think it is a very worthy cause and I am hoping my effort will go towards his surgery. I have circulated sponsorship firms and I would appeal for support.“I have talked to Alan’s aunt on the phone and she gave me her permission when I told her I was going to do a run – although I did not tell her what kind of run.”The Pamplona Running of the Bulls is a part of the San Fermin Festival, which runs in Pamplona from July 6-14 each year with a bull run taking place at 8.00am each morning.David hopes to be taking part on July 10.He said: “Our holiday starts of July 8. I have been on the festival’s official website and all you have to do is turn up at least half an hour before the bulls are released. I  hope to be taking part on July 10.”