A fundraising drive to raise money to help a local man who has an acquired brain injury will kick off on Sunday March 28 at 5pm at Milltown Community Centre.
The event is being organised by the friends of Milltown man Oliver Burke who sustained a brain injury after falling from a ladder at work in October 2007.
The money raised will provide financial support for the healthcare and occupational assistance of the 34-year-old.
He is unable to do any tasks because his attention span is limited to seconds, according to the organisers.
“Ollie is now blind in one eye and has limited use of his left hand as a result of his injuries. He can walk but can’t leave the house unaccompanied. He no longer has a social life. He recognises his family but can’t communicate how he feels. Like most brain injury patients he has developed serious epilepsy and is prone to regular seizures and as a result requires on hand constant supervision.”
He is now at home with his family having spent 16 months in Beaumont and University Hospital Galway. He spent a further four months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
“Ollie is severely incapacitated as a result of his injuries. His recovery is very slow but there are signs of improvement, however small. Intensive speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and the provision of round the clock care are among his ongoing needs. Respite for his carers and the provision of these services are a priority at the moment.
“Ollie in his health was a gregarious sociable guy with a love of sport, travel and socialising with his many friends. After qualifying as an electrician and working in that field he returned as a mature student to Cork Institute of Technology to further improve his knowledge in his chosen field.”
The event organisers, known as the Friends of Ollie, are seeking the help of fundraisers and volunteers to raise money to provide additional support to that already paid for by his family and the HSE.
“We are seeking to raise funds by asking people to pay a standing order for a minimum €7.50 per month (standing order form can be printed from website ). This is in addition to organising many fun charitable events. We require people to come and get involved with the various projects. We are looking for supporters, volunteers, friends and neighbours to attend the event on March 28 to lend their support. Ollie Turner of Galway Bay FM will be MC on the evening and light refreshments will be available.”
For further information e-mail [email protected] or telephone Ger Bowens at (086 ) 3884005.
