€3k raised for brain injury support group Headway
By Maurice Garvey
A BENEFIT night in Clondalkin raised close to €3,000 for brain injury support group Headway.
Derek Cummins (48) a father-of-one, from Clondalkin, said: “Over 170 people arrived on the night to enjoy and have some craic. On the way we have raised an amazing €2,870 to Headway services and support for brain injuries.
Caroline Farley, Ciara O’Sullivan, Derek Cummins and Sarah Sabbioni at the Headway fundraiser on Friday in The Waterside
“It was our second year in The Waterside to have Headway's quiz night, which was certainly a fantastic event and we will be there again next year.”
Derek who suffered a stroke at the age of 42, just four years after undergoing a bypass surgery, was an organiser of the event.
“I lost everything, couldn’t communicate, speak, write, had to re-learn the alphabet, I was a mess,” he said.
“For the first month in Tallaght Hospital, I couldn’t remember too much about it. The pieces of the jigsaw were there but I could not find a way out.”
€2,870 to Headway services and support for brain injuries
Diagnosed with Aphasia – language impairment due to brain injury from a stroke – Derek’s turning point was joining a choir at Headway, which helped rebuild his speech and confidence.
Formerly involved with Laurels Cycle Charity Crew, Derek has been involved in a number of fundraisers for Headway and the “hidden disabilities” they support.
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