Galway school issues Christmas jumper day appeal in aid of pupil recovering from brain bleed
The staff and pupils of Scoil San Phroinsias in Galway city are asking schools to come together this month to aid the recovery of one of their own pupils, 13- year-old Cillian O’Brien.
On February 5, Cillian suffered a catastrophic brain bleed and collapsed while waiting to partake in a school chess tournament. He was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital before spending weeks in intensive care.
The bleed was caused by a rare condition called an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a dangerous tangle of blood vessels in the brain.
Since that day, Cillian has remained in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries and has begun a long journey of rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire.
His acquired brain injury has left him wheelchair-bound, and with impaired vision, though he continues to make gradual progress. Cillian’s parents, Owen and Karen, have remained by his side throughout, unable to return to work as he now requires 24-hour care.
Cillian O’Brien suffered a brain bleed moments before a school chess tournament earlier this year. Photo: GoFundMe
The O’Brien family hope to see Cillian return home soon but must completely adapt their three-bedroom house in Galway city to suit his new needs. The upgrade works include building an accessible extension and providing specialist supports and equipment for his ongoing care.
To help fund these vital works, the “Bring Cillian Home” campaign, was launched, with a fundraising target of €300,000. A significant portion of this target has been raised thus far, with friends and family chipping in to assist the fundraising efforts.
One fundraising page has raised over €211,000 alone from over 2,000 donors after gaining widespread support from across the globe.
Cillian’s school is hoping to raise funds in the lead up to Christmas by inviting every primary, post-primary, and special school in Galway to take part in a special Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 12.
Cillian O’Brien
Deputy Principal of Scoil San Phroinsias Pat Keane said: “If every school took part, even in a small way, we could make a huge difference together. It’s a simple, joyful way for pupils to show kindness and solidarity.”
Schools already participating in other Christmas Jumper appeals are encouraged to donate a portion of their collections to this campaign. Every euro raised will go directly toward Cillian’s medical care, therapies, and essential home adaptations.
Cillian’s parents, Owen and Karen O’Brien, said: “We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support we’ve received. Knowing that Cillian is surrounded by so much kindness gives us strength and hope each day. Thank you to everyone who is helping us on this journey.”
Schools in Galway who wish to take part in the fundraiser are encouraged to contact Scoil San Phroinsias by emailing bringcillianhome@scoilsanphroinsias.com.
