Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus SHINE at National Lottery Good Causes Awards!

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) was delighted last weekend to receive a National Lottery Good Causes Award. Speaking after the event, SBHI CEO, Tom Scott, stated, ‘Winning this award will make a huge contribution towards ensuring that vital life-changing services can continue to be provided by this great organisation.’

SBHI was the winner of the Health and Wellbeing category award at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards ceremony held in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge on Saturday, 3 November.

Having been awarded the honour and a prize of €10,000, Mr Scott explained that the National Lottery Good Causes Award will help significantly as they seek to ensure that all those living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ireland can attend our dynamic respite programme, SHINE.

“The SHINE summer project sees over 80 of our members attending six separate week-long residential camps that facilitate independence training, peer support, and social opportunities – all underpinned with a huge dose of fun!

“Attending a SHINE respite break is an opportunity to come together with others who are also living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to put ability first.

“‘It is wonderful to have won this award as it will help pay for a fully accessible venue, a full itinerary of activities, and professional tutors and occupational therapists who support participants to reach their full potential.’

SBHI serves over 1,000 members who live with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus with a very vibrant and active committee here in Co Kildare, which support other people who are affected by the conditions including family, friends, carers, and the education and medical professionals who interact with members on a regular basis.

Kevin and Liam Óg are pictured here with Joe Glennon who also completed the race, along with Kevin's four children Caoimhín, Sadhbh, Siún and Ruairí.