Year: 2016
Passion
Rugby is a sport built on strength, teamwork and resilience, but the physical nature of the game also carries risks. When serious injuries occur, the effects can be life-changing not only for the player but also for their family and future livelihood.
The Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust was established to support players who suffer catastrophic injuries on the field. The trust provides long-term assistance to injured players, helping them rebuild independence and confidence after devastating setbacks.
Action
In 2015, former rugby player Padraig Hallissey suffered a blow during a match in Ireland that resulted in a stroke. The impact on his life was immediate. His speech was severely affected, making everyday communication extremely difficult.
Doctors recommended a specialist speech therapy programme in Newcastle, where a dedicated adult speech therapy department offered the treatment Padraig urgently needed.
Through the IRFU Charitable Trust, Padraig and his partner Sarah were connected with the Adderstone Foundation. To make the treatment possible, the Foundation provided accommodation for the couple for eight weeks in one of Adderstone Group’s properties, allowing Padraig to focus fully on his recovery.
Impact
The support meant Padraig could complete the intensive speech therapy programme that would help him rebuild his communication skills and regain confidence.
John Callaghan, Chairman of the IRFU Charitable Trust, said: “Our trust supports players who have suffered serious injury on the field of play and require our backing for the rest of their lives. Padraig will now be able to follow his trade as a joiner after receiving specialist speech therapy in Newcastle.
Adderstone Foundation’s response to our plea was quite simply wonderful. It is all so remarkably heartwarming.”
Following the treatment, Padraig returned home to Ireland with improved speech, renewed confidence and the ability to continue his career as a joiner, an important step toward rebuilding the life that had been interrupted so suddenly.
