Near-death experiences inspire artworks to mark brain awareness week in Cork

One Headway service user said: 'I was in a dark place when I came to Headway. If it hadn’t been for them, I’m not sure I would be here today'

(Left to right) Lucy Hyland, Gerard Byrne, Justine Swingewood, Breda Long, Chris Ennis and Sinead O'Leary with Headway artwork displayed at Mahon Point Shopping Centre. Picture: Cian O'Regan.

Personal stories of near-death experiences and heartache formed the inspiration behind some unique art pieces showcased in Cork as part of brain awareness week.

A ‘Weaving and Storytelling’ exhibition at Mahon Point shopping centre showcased the artwork of Headway service users. The charity helps people with brain injuries to reach their full potential following devastating medical episodes or physical trauma.

Run by wellbeing artist Lucy Hyland, the event highlighted pieces created through the art of weaving. 

Chris Ennis, who lives in Nash’s Boreen near Blackpool, said he owes his life to Headway after they helped him surface from an unbearably dark and painful depression. The father-of-two suffered four life-changing strokes six years ago.

“From the time I got from my bedroom to my sitting room, life had changed forever,” he said of his first stroke. 

“The stroke happened on the left side which meant my right side was affected. In those moments it was like my right side didn’t exist. It had gone completely.” 

He revealed the ways in which the charity has helped him.

“I was in a dark place when I came to Headway. If it hadn’t been for them, I’m not sure I would be here today. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to live with a brain injury. There are so many people who are trapped in their own minds.” 

The charity has helped Chris to find the positives in his difficult situation.

I sometimes call what happened to me a stroke of convenience because I had smoked for 40 years but woke up not realising I had ever been a smoker. The nurse brought me in a nicotine patch and I had to ask her what it was for.

He also praised the charity for nurturing talent.

“When I was younger, I had a real interest in women’s fashion but this was not the “done thing” before. All the things that were repressed in me I now wish I had done. I really enjoy the weaving and I've joined the Headway choir. Never in my life did I think I would be a member of a choir.” 

Hillary O’Sullivan from Ballincollig also contributed to the artwork. The Cork woman spoke about the desperate attempts by her husband and a GP to resuscitate her after her heart stopped in terrifying circumstances. She remained in a coma for a number of weeks before starting her recovery and eventually finding Headway.

“The biggest thing for me about joining Headway was that I didn’t have to explain. I didn’t have to tell people that my brain doesn’t work the way it used to."

Brain Awareness week runs every year from March 11 to March 17. The global campaign aims to highlight the wonders of the human brain through community events and activities.