2010 Stroke Award Winners

Congratulations to all the 2010 Irish Heart Foundation Stroke Awards Winners!

Children’s Courage award – jointly to Cork boys Oscar Power and Oran Manning, who have both made a miraculous recovery after having their strokes at the ages of 2 and 6 respectively.Pictured - Host Marty Whelan, David, Theresa and Oscar Power, RTE TV presenter, Diana Bunici and Oran, Catherine, Martin Ella Manning. 

Young Adult Courage award –17-year-old Kerryman Jason Lowe who got an A in English and a B in Maths after sitting two Junior Cert subjects just a year after a devastating stroke. Pictured - Marty Whelan, Dublin footballer, Alan Brogan and Jason Lowe.

Adult bravery award, 30-64 – Co Wexford woman Mary Martin, a single mother of three teenagers, including a son with autism – whose sheer determination enabled her to make a speedy return home to her family after her stroke. 

Adult bravery award, 65+ -Dubliner Ann Murphy who was left lying on a busy street in the capital after having her stroke by passersby who thought she was drunk. Pictured - Ann Murphy, husband Pat and their Grandson, Cillian.  

Family Award– The McGovern Family from Co Longford. At 35 Michael McGovern suffered a massive stroke caused by a hole in the heart after returning home for a rugby match. His wife Therese was 8 months pregnant with their second son. Their battle to resume a normal life and their love for each other has been an inspiration to all who know them. Pictued - Marty Whelan, Dr. Frnaces Horgan, Michael and Therese McGovern and their two sons. 

Stroke support group award – The North West Stroke Group in Sligo who have provided a lifeline to stroke survivors who have no other social outlet or support network. Pictured - Marty Whelan, Ed Blake, John O'Hara and David Harvey. 

Stroke Advocate Award –well known broadcaster, academic and expert in Hiberno-English, Professor Terry Dolan of UCD who has played a major role in spreading awareness of stroke and the fact that there is life after stroke. Pictured - Marty Wheland, Prof. Terence Dolan and Prof.Des O'Neill.

Carers Award – Teresa Reidy from Co Mayo who had already been a full-time carer to her disabled son Damian for 25 years, but had the strength to keep going after he suffered a severe stroke. Pictured - Marty Whelan and Teresa Reidy.

Act F.A.S.T. Award -Dublin youngsters Niall and Eoghan O’Reilly whose quick action saved their father’s life after he had a stroke at the family home in Portmarnock. Pictured - Marty Whelan, Niall and Eoghan O'Reilly and Alan Brogan.

Novartis Stroke Champion Award -Anne Copeland for her enormous contribution to the cause of stroke patients and survivors.  Pictured - Marty Whelan, Anne Copeland and Dr. Greg Hays, Novartis Medical Director. 

Anne Copeland - For almost three decades Anne has devoted her life to the cause of stroke survivors with no thought of personal reward. After helping out the fledgling Volunteer Stroke Scheme by ferrying stroke patients to support group meetings, she eventually became its chairperson and developed the VSS into the largest and most influential organisation providing support to stroke survivors in the community. Through her efforts and guidance, many ventures were undertaken, i.e. raising awareness of stroke prevention through printed literature and DVDs, a technical aids loan scheme, holiday breaks, physiotherapy sessions at club, help and guidance in setting up independent groups around the country, and a counselling Service.

Her colleague in the VSS wrote this about her:

“Anne has always championed the cause of the stroke survivor, particularly in their specific needs. She highlighted the necessity of individual groups to cater for the specific needs of stroke survivors, enabling them to reach their full potential after the stroke. Anne’s kindness and dedication to our member’s needs has endeared her to all who have had the good fortune to experience her caring ways. To receive this award would be a small token of our gratitude for all she has done for the Volunteer Stroke Scheme over the years.”