Appeal launched for mum (50) after life-changing stroke

A FUNDRAISING campaign has been set up to help a 50-year-old mother of three who suffered a life-changing stroke and who now needs to have her home adapted to her needs.

Edel Canning (née Brennan) from Carlow town suffered a massive stroke in March, which has left her with a lifelong disability. Edel is the mother of three children – Laura (17), Emma (14) and 11-year-old Sarah – and was working as a pharmaceutical rep when she suffered the stroke while she was in bed one night. Edel tried to call for help but couldn’t cry out so she banged on the bedroom wall instead. Fortunately, Laura heard her and ran to help her.

Edel was rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where she was cared for until she was transferred to St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. She’s now at home in Feltham Hall, Carlow and is due to start rehab in the National Rehabilitation Centre, Dún Laoghaire this week.

“Edel is the mother of three children. She was a working woman all of her life and all that has been pulled from under her,” explained her sister Fiona. “Laura saved her life. They are all incredible girls. Just like Edel’s life was changed overnight, so was theirs.” Edel is the daughter of Patrick Brennan from Oakley Park, Carlow and is sister to Fiona, Karen, Patrick, Roly and Dwayne.

Her family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds so that her house can be fitted out to suit her needs, such as a downstairs bedroom and bathroom. The target has been set for €100,000 and already almost €35,500 has been raised.

On the GoFundMe page, her family wrote: ‘Edel has fought valiantly for her life, and thanks to her incredible strength, she has emerged from that battle. However, the journey ahead is far from easy. She now faces permanent disabilities that challenge her every day. After enduring 32 long weeks in the hospital, separated from her precious girls, she has now returned home while awaiting further treatment. But her home – once a sanctuary – now poses significant challenges that prevent her from being able to live safely and comfortably in her home. Edel’s resilience is inspiring, but to truly thrive she needs a home that meets her new needs. She is awaiting admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin for specialised care and in the meantime we want to ensure her home is ready for her return.

‘This fundraising effort is aimed at helping Edel and her family adapt their home, creating a supportive, safe environment where she can focus on her recovery and be the wonderful mam she is meant to be.’ Edel, her daughters and the Brennan family are overwhelmed with the support the campaign has garnered, with €35,422 already raised.

“People have been incredibly kind and generous. We’d like to thank the people of Carlow and everyone who has generously donated money,” said Fiona.

The fundraising campaign is continuing so if you’d like to contribute, go to www.gofundme.com/f/support-edels-journey-after-stroke.