‘We are hopeful about the future for James’

The father of a 13-year-old Killeigh boy who sustained a life-changing brain injury when he was knocked off his bike in April has said his family are “totally overwhelmed” by the support they have received from the local community since the accident.

 John Saunders, who lives at Gurteen Bridge, just outside Killeigh village, said the life of his family has been turned “completely transformed” since his son, James, was involved in a collision with a car on April 16 last when he went out for a leisurely cycle with his mother, Dympna, on the Killurin Road.

The young 6th class pupil in Gortnamona NS was brought to Tullamore Hospital after the accident before being transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin where he has remained ever since.

Having sustained multiple fractures and a brain injury in the accident, John Saunders said none of the medical personnel treating James could predict how he would respond in the critical early days after the accident.

 “He has made significant improvements since he regained consciousness and is extremely determined, which is standing to him,” says John “and, while he is still very much in recovery at this stage, and there is a long road to go, we are remaining positive and hopeful.”

James, who became a teenager just two weeks ago, is currently receiving a number of intensive therapies in Temple Street, including speech and language, physio and occupational therapy, and his family are hopeful that he may soon be transferred to the National Rehabilitation Institute in Dun Laoghaire for further specialised treatment.

Prior to his devastating accident, James Saunders, who has one older brother, Jack, was a member of the Tullamore Harriers and was “very fit and athletic” according to his Dad, and that, combined with his strong will and determination, are seen as critical factors in his recovery.

 “We have no way of predicting the future and we have no idea of a timeframe for James' recovery,” admits his dad, “but he is continuing to fight the fight of his life since April.”

One member of the Saunders family has been by James' side in Temple Street Hospital every day since the accident, and the family say they are “constantly amazed” at the way in which the local community have continued to support and assist them since the devastating accident.

A local fundraising committee, 'Community 4 James' has been set up to raise monies for the ongoing needs of James Saunders and his family into the future, and as well as setting up a Gofund me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-for-james with a fundraising goal of €50,000, they have also organised a 70s/80s Disco which takes place in Tullamore Rugby Club on Saturday next, November 9, at 8pm, with all proceeds going to James and his family.

The committee are urging people to “take a trip down memory lane” at the novel disco and have secured 'the greatest' DJ in the midlands, Kevin Keogh, to spin the hits. The 'slow set' which is unknown to the younger generation, is guaranteed on the night, so everyone is asked to get their glad rags out from the back of the wardrobe and come along, dressed up or not!

Tickets for the disco are available from any of the fundraising committee: Margo Sheil; Ita Owens; Ray Delaney; Ger Monaghan; Sandra Dunne, Margaret Brady, Kate Forrestal or John Healy, or from Pigs on the Green in Killeigh, the Sportsman Inn, Daingean or from DJ Kevin Keogh, and people are asked to pre-book their tickets if possible.

Among the other fundraising events which have taken place in the local community were a no uniform day in the four primary schools in the parish of Killeigh, a no uniform day in Tullamore College where James Saunders was due to start as a first-year student in September; a sponsored walk in Gortnamona primary school, where teachers and students also gifted James with a laptop after his accident, and assistance from a number of local clubs, including GAA, soccer and golf.

Tullamore Harriers are also planning to run an event in support of James, and the fundraising committee have asked that anyone who is unable to attend the 70/80's Disco on Saturday night next to consider making a donation to the Gofundme page; donating a spot prize or making a donation to any of the other fundraising events being organised for the family.

“We are so humbled and grateful for the amazing support we have received, and continue to receive, from the local community since James' accident, even from people we never knew before,” says John Saunders. “We have to live in hope, and we are hopeful about the future for James.”