Defiant stroke survivor and brave carer recognised at special reception

Pictured left to right are: Tracy Donnell, Ward Clerk, Western Trust; Judy Houlahan, Head of Secondary Care, Western Trust; Ester White, Nursing Assistant, Western Trust; Naomi Loughery, Nursing Assistant, Western Trust; Sharon Freaney, Staff Nurse, Western Trust; Robert Walker, Nursing Assistant, Western Trust; Marianne McDaid, Daughter of Patrick Brady; Patrick Brady, Award winner of Creative Award; Bernadette McGlinchey, Staff Nurse, Western Trust; Diana Parker, Ward Sister, Western Trust; Dr Joe McElroy, Consultant Geriatrician, Western Trust; Celine Hughes, Stroke Survivor; Palma Dickson, Staff Nurse, Western Trust; Geraldine Brown, Assistant Director for Secondary Care, Western Trust and Gerard Hughes, Carer of the Year Award winner.

The reception was held by staff in Stroke services in recognition of both Patrick and Gerard receiving awards at the recent Life After Stroke Awards.

Patrick Brady, aged 86, won the Award for Creative Arts which is awarded to a stroke survivor who fuses the visual, performing or applied arts to express his or herself creatively. This can include painting, drawing, music, literature, sculpture, photography, film or performing arts.

Patrick presented a beautiful piece of artwork to the Stroke Unit at Ward 40 at Altnagelvin Hospital during the reception and this was accepted by the Trust and will hang in pride of place at the Unit.

Gerard Hughes, aged 74, won the Carers Award which is awarded to a carer who supports a stroke survivor. Gerard himself who had his own health issues and is a double amputee, is carer for his wife Celine. Both Gerard and his wife Celine have managed to lead a full life and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.