Volunteering is a helping hand that works both ways

AFTER he broke his neck falling down the stairs at home 20 years ago, doctors feared Tony Hassett would never walk again. But the 59-year-old Nenagh-based sports coach defied medical opinion and is not only walking but is also a basketball coach.

Since 1999, Hassett has been volunteering with the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA).

He set up a sports club in Nenagh and from there, he started training a weekly basketball group of wheelchair users. In recognition of his voluntary work, Hassett was recently awarded the inaugural IWA’s Volunteer of the Year Award. He has also been nominated for the Volunteer Ireland Awards which aim to highlight the work of volunteers around the country.