STROKES, tumours, road-traffic collisions and sporting accidents can all result in a sudden brain injury and impact upon the lives of the individual and their families as they have to adjust to a different way of living.
Two east Belfast-based charities offering some hope to such individuals are Brain Injury Matters, which helps children and adults rebuild their lives after illness or accident, and Reconnect, which provides tailor-made horticulture and IT training to build confidence and improve the employment prospects of those who have suffered a serious brain injury.
One woman who made a remarkable recovery from a brain aneurysm in 2014 has helped organised a musical concert this week to support and raise awareness of both charities' work.
Jenny O'Neill, from Belfast, was told she would have "no quality of life", but following more than eight months in hospital made a rapid recovery after a shunt – a narrow piece of tubing – was inserted in her brain.
"It was a risky and life-threatening operation and I'm exceptionally lucky to be alive and able to help others by doing things like arranging this musical concert," says Jenny.
The Spring Concert, which is taking place in Belfast's Campbell College on Saturday March at 7.30pm, features tenor Fr Martin O'Hagan of successful singing trio The Priests; Donaghadee Male Voice Choir; Strathearn Chamber Choir and Co Down-based The Patience Family, who specialise in harp music in the Celtic tradition.
The seed for the concert was planted in Jenny's mind two years ago, shortly after her discharge from hospital, when she listened to James Patience playing Bette Midler's The Rose on the harp in an hotel lobby.
"I love the song and it's theme of regeneration which has helped my own recovery".
:: Tickets, costing £15 each, are available from Brain Injury Matters (028 9070 5125), Reconnect (028 9079 0551) and online at www.braininjurymatters.org.uk.
