BRAVE Northsider Daniel O’Haire hopes to cross another dream off his
‘bucket list’ when he heads off to Poland for the European Championships this week.
Daniel was left brain damaged and paralysed and was even pronounced clinically dead for 27 minutes 10 years ago after he was stabbed in the neck while walking back to his home in Finglas.
Despite the horrific incident, Daniel, known to his pals as
‘Dank’, was able to keep going thanks to terrific support from family and friends but he began to lose the will to live after his beloved dad died four years after the attack.
The 30-year-old had reached rock bottom after the loss of his father. But thankfully he came up with the idea of a
‘bucket list’ – a catalogue of things he wants to do before he
‘kicks the bucket’.
And the latest life ambition is to get to Poland to see Ireland play in the first round of Euro 2012.
Daniel will be accompanied by his mother Liz, stepfather Dave, a professional driver, a carer and a nurse and will travel across the continent in a specially kitted-out motorhome designed to cater for his medical needs.
According to his mum, trips of a lifetime such as this are giving Daniel, who is cared for at St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park, something to live for.
“These are all things that he wants to do and it’s what’s keeping him going,
? she told Northside People.
“We’re trying to make life as normal as possible and give him everything we can to make him happy.
?
“Getting the idea of the bucket list came about from asking Daniel questions about what he wanted and didn’t want.
“He can only communicate with his eyes so I’m his arms, legs and voice.
“We have a system that I ask him questions and he’ll look at one hand for
‘yes’ and the other for
‘no’.
“It’s like playing charades. Sometimes I can get what he’s trying to say in seconds and other times it can take half an hour.
“Sometimes it’s just down to a mother’s instinct.
“His mind is as sharp as ever, though. He can understand, hear and see everything perfectly but he’s just trapped in a body he can’t move.
?
Liz described Daniel as selfless and
“someone who would brighten up your day
?.
“He’s in constant pain but he puts on a brave face for everybody,
? she said.
“He just wants to help people and make them happy.
?
Daniel and his team hope to set off for Poland on June 11, the day before he turns 31.
Liz’s partner Dave and Daniel’s uncle Mick have been working round the clock to get a bus, which was a former mobile library, fitted with a clinical room.
Local people in Finglas have been generously donating their skills to the project.
Both Daniel and his family hope that other families with similar medical needs and who wish to travel can use the motorhome when they return from Poland.
The community has also rallied round to raise funds to go towards the cost of the trip.
The experience of watching Ireland play in the European Championships will be up there with Daniel’s recent trip to England to see his beloved team Liverpool play.
That adventure was only made possible by the generous donation of a private aircraft for Daniel’s use.
“While we’re adamant that we’re going to Poland I try not to take anything for granted,
? Liz explained.
“Since the day of the stabbing I live day to day with Daniel. That’s what the doctors told us from day one because every day we have with him is a blessing. You just don’t know what’s around the corner.
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?¢ A fundraising event will be held in the Ardmore Hotel on Thursday, June 8, at 8.30pm. No tickets are required but a donation of e5 is requested on the night. A raffle of signed memorabilia will also take place in the Bottom of the Hill pub in Finglas on June 10. For further information or to donate visit www.danielohaire.com