Orla Dwyer
A SEPSIS awareness evening is being held next week in memory of Sean ‘Lil Red’ Hughes from Finglas who sadly passed away a year ago.
‘The Red Event’ will take place in the Mansion House on January 10 to raise awareness for sepsis, which Sean unfortunately passed away from after developing the flu and a chest infection.
Sean was just 15-years-old but during his short life he brought fun, laughter and smiles to all who knew him.
Last July, Sean was remembered at a GAA match played at Erin’s Isle in Finglas South. A combined Erin’s Isle and Ballymun Kickhams team made up with friends of Sean battled it out for a memorial cup.
Other tribute nights have been held and the family have been trying to raise awareness of Sepsis and make the public aware of the condition.
Sean’s Dad, Joe Hughes, planned the Red Event to coincide with his son’s first anniversary on January 12. He especially wants to reach the under 25s to inform them about sepsis.
“We’re just working-class people. Our community and our family and friends would relate more to us than strangers,” said Joe.
Tickets for the night were free but quickly sold out. The crowd will mainly consist of local families, parents and Sean’s friends.
Local TDs have shown interest and some will be attending.
On the invitation list is Minister for Health Simon Harris and President Michael D Higgins, with whom the Hughes family have history.
Sean met President Higgins when he visited Coláiste Eoin for the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015. The family then received an official letter of condolence from Áras an Uachtaráin after Sean passed away.
The President also got in touch with the family to ask for a personal visit to their home in Finglas. He visited their house and invited them to Áras an Uachtarain.
“President Higgins remembered him,” Joe told Northside People. “That’s the kind of kid Sean was. He made an impression on everybody.”
Professor Steve Kerrigan from the School of Pharmacy in the Royal College of Surgeons will be saying a few words on the night to inform people about sepsis. He has met with Joe in preparation for the event.
Sepsis is most likely to affect young children, older adults and people with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system. It is the body’s overwhelming response to infection and requires urgent attention.
The symptoms are close to that of the flu, which means it can often be undiagnosed. But sepsis kills more people in Ireland than heart attacks, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
There will also be plenty of entertainment at the Red Event for attendees.
“Sean was a rapper and some of his friends will be performing,” said Joe. “The kids will be performing some of Sean’s songs as well as their own.”
Sean’s nickname was Lil Red because of his red hair and cheeks. Joe is honouring his son’s nickname through the title and theme of the event.
“It’s called ‘The Red Event’ and we want people to wear something red,” explained Joe.
The event will last from 7pm to 10.30pm on Thursday, January 10. Donations can be made on the night.