A Ryder Cup jersey signed by golfer Paul McGinley is expected to significantly contribute to the Friends of Alan Doherty fund when it is auctioned tomorrow night (Saturday).

Alan Doherty (17) from Letterkenny was born with a rare chin disorder called Maxillofacial. He has no lower chin and has to breathe through a tube in his throat. Alan has never swallow food or drinks, and he cannot talk.

Alan flies out to the USA on Sunday morning for a life changing operation on June 11 which will cost in excess of 250,000 euro.

The jersey will be presented for public auction in Letterkenny Golf Club at 9pm tomorrow night after the St Eunan's College Golf Classic. Mr McGinley initially donated the jersey to St Eunan's College so that it could be sold to boost their own funds.

However, the College decided to offer the jersey to the Alan Doherty fund instead. Alan is a student at Letterkenny Vocational School.

Mr Paul McBride of the Friends of Alan Doherty committee has expressed his gratitude to the college for their generous donation.

"This was a lovely gesture by them and we in the committee would like to recognise that offer by thanking them," Mr McBride said.

He added that the fund raising was going "extremely well" at the moment, however, he has appealed for more funds. More details of the fund-raising campaign were announced at a press conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel today.

If you would like to help, please contribute to the Alan Doherty Fund-raising Account in AIB Letterkenny: Account number is 15038040; Sort code 937347. The Friends of Alan Doherty can be contacted on 086 8251 869.