A Christmas gift came early for staff and members of the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Wexford Clubhouse on Wednesday 18^th December. The group expressed their surprise and immense gratitude on receiving a cheque for €5,000 from Ciarán Donegan, director of IRS Financial Services Limited based in Enniscorthy. The donation was made by Mr Donegan in memory of his father, Michael, and his mother, Ellen, who suffered a stroke during her lifetime.

Natasha Sinnott, Interim Local Services Manager in Wexford, explained the impact that a gift like this will make for the Clubhouse and its members during the year ahead:

“Today’s gift is so welcome”, Natasha said. “We are incredibly grateful to Ciarán Donegan and IRS Financial Services Ltd. and look forward to sharing the outcomes of the work this donation will make possible in the months ahead.”

Mr Donegan was prompted to contact and support Acquired Brain Injury Ireland on foot of its recent general election campaign, which called on candidates to uphold the human rights of brain injury survivors and give them the chance to live the lives they fought so hard for. The campaign was officially launched at the Wexford Clubhouse on Wednesday, November 13^th at an event attended by many of those running for election in the county. On the day, candidates had an opportunity to hear first-hand from survivors about their lived experiences, and the benefits of attending the Clubhouse, which is supported by ABI Ireland’s Wexford rehabilitation team. Family members also spoke about how the Clubhouse supports their loved ones to live a full life in their own community.

Mr Donegan hopes that by publicising his donation to the charity, others too may be encouraged to offer their support.