Declan McMullan suffered a Cardiac Arrest at his home on March 16th 2012 at the age of 19. His dad administered CPR until the paramedics arrived and in so doing helped preserve most of Declan’s organ and brain functions. However, brain damage was inevitable and Declan has suffered profound physical disability. His condition is called HYPOXIC ISCHAEMIC BRAIN INJURY and as a result this will have a permanent effect on Declan’s physical and mental capabilities in the future. The Cardiac Arrest was caused by an underlying condition known as Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. 

 

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is a heart condition in which there is an abnormal extra electrical pathway in the heart. When this occurs, in some cases the heart stops working instantly, oxygen and blood flow to the brain is prevented and sudden death occurs. 

 

Declan spent 3 months in The Royal Victoria Hospital before being moved to the Regional Acquired Brain Unit of Musgrave Park Hospital, in June 2012. As a result of the brain damage he sustained, Declan suffers from Locked in Syndrome, he is unable to eat, speak, move or see and is confined to a wheelchair. He communicates by blinking once for yes and twice for no. Thankfully his hearing has not been affected and he can spell words by blinking through the alphabet. He will remain in Musgrave until his home is adapted for him, then he will return home to us all.

In spite of all this Declan still has retained his sense of humour and has shown immense courage and strength throughout.

 

Cardiac Risk in the Young are working hard on doing research on all heart conditions that effect young people. They also provide help and support for familys that are grieving or looking after a loved one with the condition. 

Their work is invaluable and they deserve every penny of your donations.