KEEPING BUSY… Adrian McElroy
A WELL-KNOWN and popular former estate agent in Enniskillen, Adrian McElroy, who lives with his wife, Sandra in Castle Archdale, has spoken publicly how, with the help of his wife and family, and the Cedar Foundation, he has made a miraculous recovery from a debilitating trauma when he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2008.
The Foundation marked the recent Brain Injury Awareness Week with a series events that publicly acknowledged ‘users’, such as Adrian, of its support services.
Their chosen theme was: “There Is Life After Brain Injury.”
Speaking at a recognition event in Mahon’s hotel, Irvinestown, Adrian told his audience: “Following my brain haemorrhage in 2008, I have adapted my lifestyle.
“With support from Cedar, I gained a work placement at Conservation Volunteers and I really enjoy the work, which includes tree planting, wall building, maintenance and hedge planting.
“I am still enjoying life, though it is now at a less intense pace. My wife and seven children have been a great support to me.
“The only way is forward.”
A spokesman for the Cedar Foundation stated that, each year, over 2,000 people in Northern Ireland sustain a brain injury.
She added: “Many more are living with the long-term effects. Brain injuries occur due to a range of causes, including falls, road traffic accidents and assault.
“This can have a life-changing effect on the lives of individuals, their families and carers. Many people will have to deal with significant and on-going difficulties with their memory, concentration, emotions or behaviour as well as physical problems.”
She said Cedar’s brain injury services aim to enable people like Adrian McElroy to achieve their personal goals for returning to work, gaining qualifications and having an active life.
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