Employability Midlands

At just two years old, David O’Donnell from Ballina, Co Tipperary, suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak or move the right side of his body. “Doctors had no explanation of a child this young coming in with a stroke and told my parents this. They couldn’t find any clear reason.” After almost a month in hospital, a paediatric neurologist said the stroke was likely caused by an unknown virus.

David’s stroke had a profound impact on his childhood. “Growing up, especially through primary school, I was very conscious of being different. My walk isn’t the best, and my right hand doesn’t work that well. I was always conscious of that, and it held me back psychologically more than physically.”

Despite the challenges, David, now 23, has completed his BA in Psychology and is working on his master’s degree. He is also pursuing ‘life changing’ voluntary work with the Patient Champions programme to help others who have suffered cardiac problems and stroke. The programme is free of charge, delivered online and accessible to patients with a heart or stroke diagnosis throughout Ireland. It teaches heart and stroke patients about the advocacy methods and channels open to them, to try and bring about better outcomes for themselves and other patients, especially in the area of political lobbying, patient representation in healthcare, and advocating to the public.

“It’s been brilliant. Before, I didn’t think there was any point in reaching out to others who’d had a stroke. But then I met this group, and they’re wonderful. It’s uplifting to see others going through similar experiences.”

Advocacy Campaign Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, Pauline O’Shea, who leads the programme and is herself a cardiac patient, describes people like David, and others who get involved in the Patient Champions programme, as “the real heroes of the organisation”.

If you’d like to get involved, the Patient Champions programme is open to all heart and stroke patients in Ireland. Find out more at irishheart.ie/advocacy/patient-champions/

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