| Summer Pilot Project 2004 | | | Over the last 5 years, through the Wild Seals Venture Club, Spinal Injuries Ireland have presented Venture Activities as an opportunity for people who have sustained a spinal injury to push their and others expectations of what they can achieve in a safe and challenging environment. We believe that we have never realised the full potential of this programme until now.
As part of the Outreach Programme Spinal Injuries Ireland set up a pilot programme for a two-month period in July and August 2004. NRH support was sought, a mini bus acquired, Niamh McGrath employed as project co-ordinator and activities and outings were made available to spinal injury in-patients each week.
A short presentation was made to the patients, supported by a short video with details of what was involved in trying the different activities. A selection of equipment such as kayaks and scuba diving gear was brought along for patients to see first hand and an information pack was also provided for each patient.
Alongside the in-patients project three separate venture days were organised for ex-patients during this two-month period. These venture days were run in outdoor centres in both Dundalk and Donegal. Additional experienced staff from registered venture centres was used where required. Siobhan, our Outreach Officer, liaised closely with ex-patients to facilitate these venture days. A diving weekend was also organised in Bantry in August where three ex-patients realised a dream to dive in open water and complete their Scuba Dive Certificate.
Our aim was to show the value of multi activities as a way of challenging peoples' expectations of what is possible post injury. We also wanted to get patients out of the hospital using public transport, socialising in cafes, learning new skills, challenging fears and realising that there definitely is life after a spinal cord injury.
This project was organised and run by Niamh McGrath and was designed to compliment and add to the fantastic work that goes on in the hospital every day, which helps to realise people's fullest potential after the trauma of spinal injury.
Spinal Injuries Ireland wish to thank most sincerely the staff of the National Rehabilitation Hospital who were involved with and supported this project and in so doing helped to make it such a success.
| A Tribute to Niamh McGrath – an inspiring instructor and great friend
| | | During this year's Kayaking Challenge and Awareness Week we want to particularly remember a very close friend and supporter of Spinal Injuries Ireland, Niamh McGrath, who died in a tragic accident earlier this year. Our introduction to Niamh was back in 1998 when she contacted SII and suggested we look at kayaking as an option for people with a spinal injury. Soon, with Niamh's support and endless enthusiasm, kayaking became a wonderful reality for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury and we have included it as one of our venture sports activities ever since.
By 1999 Niamh had inspired us with the self confidence to embark on a fundraising challenge that would take us kayaking 250 kilometres down the Shannon. As we prepare to undertake this Challenge for the third time we are filled with mixed emotions. It just won’t be the same without Niamh’s contagious enthusiasm and we will miss her kayaking alongside us but we remain truly grateful for all her support and encouragement and we know that she will be with us in spirit every step of the way. Her family are in our thoughts as we begin this journey – this one’s for Niamh. | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |  | Niamh McGrath |
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