On 29th June 2010, my nephew Niall McKee, then aged 20, was involved in an accident at work wherein his left arm became trapped in heavy-duty industrial machinery. It took two hours to free Niall from the machinery. During the subsequent surgery in Craigavon hospital to try to save Niall's arm, the injuries were so extensive it became necessary to amputate his arm 2-3 inches below his shoulder, leaving him with no elbow. It was clear from the outset that the absence of his elbow joint would cause many complications when it came to constructing an artificial limb for Niall.
Niall is a fully trained brick-layer who, due to the downturn in the construction industry, had taken a job in another area of work while hoping to return to his own trade in due course. He had been employed in that new job for just three months when the accident occurred. Niall had two major interests in life, one was building and the other sport. He had always been involved in a range of sporting activities. Sadly, Niall can no longer build and the range of sporting activities in which he can now participate has been much curtailed.
Since his accident, which was a very traumatic experience, Niall's life has changed dramatically. He has had to come to terms with a lot, both physically and mentally. Always very stubborn and determined, Niall has made great progress. At this stage, >12 months after the accident, he has returned to his old job, where the accident took place, and has been working full time again for quite a number of months now. He is aware that others who are in a similar situation may require some encouragement to find this kind of strength within them, and he now helps other young amputees in an effort to pass on some of his inspirational spirit to those struggling to cope.
Although the immediate trauma care provided by the NHS was superb, their resources are very limited when it comes to prosthetics. Unfortunately, it has now become apparent that due to the nature of his amputation, a suitable and functional artificial limb will have to be paid for privately. After watching Niall cope for the past year without the use of his arm, his local club, Derrynoose GAC, have decided to come together with Niall's family to organise a fundraising night in aid of this worthy cause. Therefore, on the 5th of November 2011 a Race Night will be held. The purpose of this event will be to raise funds which will all go towards the purchase of a suitable arm for Niall.
The fundraising preparations for the Race Night involve selling horses, jockeys and trainers (not real ones!) at a cost of £10 each. Anyone who would like to donate will have their contribution acknowledged in the programme for the evening and will be able to name their own horse, jockey or trainer. Our family would be very grateful if you would consider supporting Niall's fundraiser by contributing £10 to buy a horse, jockey or trainer. Donations could be made as individuals contributing £10, or by two or more people coming together to donate £10 in total to buy a horse/jockey/trainer jointly. If you would like to donate, please PM me. Please tell me the name that you would like to give your horse/jockey/trainer and I will take note of all of the details and will pass on all donations. All contributions are being managed by the club who are acting as independent custodians of the funds raised until a suitable artificial limb can be purchased for Niall.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Harold, PM me details there. I'll buy a horse no bother. Anyone else want to be a jockey or trainer?
Will do AZ. Just checking with the brother in law about bank details, who to make cheques out to etc.
BTW Niall received a lovely card from Matt Connor last year.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 19, 2011, 03:18:49 PM
Harold, PM me details there. I'll buy a horse no bother. Anyone else want to be a jockey or trainer?
Aye - count me in as well.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 19, 2011, 03:18:49 PM
Harold, PM me details there. I'll buy a horse no bother. Anyone else want to be a jockey or trainer?
I'll ride ya. Orangeman can train. There'll be no sparing the whip.
Send me IMs bucks. And less of the ridin' croi.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on October 19, 2011, 04:35:12 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 19, 2011, 03:18:49 PM
Harold, PM me details there. I'll buy a horse no bother. Anyone else want to be a jockey or trainer?
I'll ride ya. Orangeman can train. There'll be no sparing the whip.
Go easy now Croí.
The new whip rules are in place for this event ! ;)
Should be a good event and a worthy cause. Have family members of Derrynoose so may even give the event a visit myself. Good luck in the fundraising.
Bump.
Thanks to everyone that have contacted me. Should be a good night, they have signed Kilkenny & Tipperary jerseys to auction on the night as well as villa in Spain, a 50" tv and a parachute jump (think I'll buy this!).
There is also going to be a seven's hurling tournament on the day as well I believe.
Thanks again everyone.
Croi, I got your cheque. Cheers. Orange, are you sending me one too? Harold, I'll pop them in the post ASAP.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 26, 2011, 08:07:42 PM
Croi, I got your cheque. Cheers. Orange, are you sending me one too? Harold, I'll pop them in the post ASAP.
It's going in the post in the morning AZ -
Anybody else out there joining in a race ??
Thanks lads, much appreciated.
HD
Have you paypal or something similar set up? If not, PM the details and I'll fire it in the post.
Best wishes
WFR.
Quote from: orangeman on October 26, 2011, 08:52:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 26, 2011, 08:07:42 PM
Croi, I got your cheque. Cheers. Orange, are you sending me one too? Harold, I'll pop them in the post ASAP.
It's going in the post in the morning AZ -
Anybody else out there joining in a race ??
I sent something.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 26, 2011, 08:07:42 PM
Croi, I got your cheque. Cheers. Orange, are you sending me one too? Harold, I'll pop them in the post ASAP.
Trust ur not gonna jink us by calling the nag Biffos Bollox or something similar.
Cheers for that lads.
I was over in Glasgow playing football at the weekend and managed to wangle a good few quid. Hopefully everyone else has been pulling their weight and the night is a success.
The night was a great success, the place was packed to the rafters. Among the items auctioned were signed Kilkenny, Tipperary & Crossmaglen jerseys. Paul McCormack also donated his 2002 jersey to the auction. There was also a parachute jump, a villa in Spain and Man Utd tickets and a number of other items up for auction.
I had to leave early, 2.30 am, the craic was only getting started!
Big thanks to everyone who contributed in any way, final figures have yet to be added up but it looks like £20k or thereabouts has been raised.