Welcome
Ollie’s Story
On 31st October 2007 Ollie Burke’s life changed forever.While carrying out electrical work he fell from a ladder suffering severe head injuries which resulted in an acquired brain injury. Ollie spent the following sixteen months in Beaumont Hospital and University Hospital Galway where he underwent a number of serious life threatening operations. He spent a further four months in National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoighaire and is now severely incapacitated as a result of his injuries.
Ollie was born in Milltown, Co Galway in 1976. He is the fifth child of six children to Walter and Mary Burke. When he was young he was very active with a keen intelligence. He attended primary school in Garrafrauns and secondary school in Dunmore Community School in Co. Galway, where he achieved a good Leaving Cert in 1993. Ollie trained as an electrician and when qualified, worked in the Tuam, Milltown and Galway areas. He was very popular and liked to socialise with his wide circle of friends. He enjoyed music and travel and visited America on a number of occasions. A keen follower of sport he enjoyed swimming and indoor soccer and he played Gaelic football for his local club, Milltown.
Still eager to prove himself further Ollie went back to College in September 2000 where he studied Electrical Engineering in Cork and Dublin. He spent four years there where he made many friends and graduated in 2004. Ollie initially worked for some time in the engineering field, but then decided to set up his own business as an Electrical Contractor.
Ollie is now at home with his mother and brother since February 2009. Unfortunately there was no insurance in place to fund his ongoing care. Ollie needs 24 hour supervision. He needs to be fed, dressed and showered. He is blind in one eye and has limited use of his left hand as a result of his injuries. He can walk but can’t leave the house unaccompanied. He is unable to do any tasks because his attention span is limited to seconds. He no longer has a social life. He recognizes his family but can’t communicate how he feels. Like most brain injury patients, Ollie has developed serious epilepsy and is prone to regular seizures which are a constant worry.
His recovery is very slow but there are signs of improvement however small. Intensive speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and the provision of round the clock care are among his ongoing needs. Respite for his careers and the provision of these services are a priority at the moment.
Donations
We hope to raise funds by asking people to donate on a regular basis by way of a minimum standing order of €7.50 per Month, as Ollie’s care will be long-term. The standing order form can be downloaded and printed from the link below. We will also organize charitable fun events (See Events). If you would like to donate, take part in an event, organize an event or become a fundraiser within our organization please contact any of the Committee or email us at friendsofollie@gmail.com
Please fill out the standing order form and send it to your bank for the attention of the Manager
Download Standing Order Form
Donate Online
To donate online via credit card please click on the mycharity image above or the link below. You will then be redirected to a secure site where you can make a donation.
Donate Online