There was a great turnout to celebrate the launch of a powerful new poetry collection inspired by an Offaly family’s experience of acquired brain injury.
‘Waiting for James’, written by local poet John Saunders was officially launched at the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore on World Brain Day, Wednesday July 22.
The collection tells the story of John and his family’s journey after his son, James, sustained a life-changing acquired brain injury in a road traffic accident in 2019 at the age of 12.
Through a deeply personal collection of poems, John captures the fear, uncertainty, hope and resilience that followed in the aftermath of James’ injury.
The launch coincided with World Brain Day, a global awareness day which highlights the importance of brain health and the challenges faced by people living with brain injury in Ireland.
All proceeds from the event went towards supporting Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland).
Photos courtesy of Ger Rogers Photography.
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1. James Saunders pictured with Gene and Annie Vickers at the Launch of John Saunders book 'Waiting for James' A book of poetry in Esker Arts. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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2. Anne Starling, Tullamore Chamber of Commerce and Nimra Ahmed, Tullamore Chamber of Commerce attended the Launch of John Saunders book 'Waiting for James' A book of poetry in Esker Arts. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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3. Grainne McGettrick, Director of Policy Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and Valerie McArdle, Political Communications Acquired Brain Injury Ireland at the Launch of John Saunders book 'Waiting for James' A book of poetry in Esker Arts. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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4. James, Dymphna and John Saunders at the Launch of John's book 'Waiting for James' A book of poetry in Esker Arts. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo