A hero motorcyclist who volunteers to deliver emergency blood supplies says he wanted to “give something back” to the health services after a near death experience.
“I had a heart attack when I was in my mid 40s and my heart stopped twice in the ambulance on the way to hospital,” explains Fergus Lennon, from Newbridge in Co Kildare.
“The paramedics brought me back to life. I can never repay that debt but it was one of the reasons why I got involved in Blood Bikes in Ireland.
“It’s my way of giving something back.”
Blood Bikes operates eight groups across Ireland, transporting blood, blood products, donor breast milk and organ donation tissue to hospitals, hospices and other medical facilities free of charge.
Fergus, 59, set up the Leinster branch in 2013 and was awarded a Hidden Hero award in 2016 in recognition of his efforts.
Sponsored by Hidden Hearing, the awards honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to their community, workplace, family or through sporting accomplishments.
The 2019 Hidden Hearing Hidden Heroes Awards were launched earlier this week at the Junior Genius Forest School in Baldonnell, Co Dublin with pupils dressing up in their favourite superhero costumes.
You can nominate now at www.hiddenhearing.ie/heroes and entries must be in by Friday, August 9.
Hidden Hearing MD Stephen Leddy says: “We have heard some incredible stories of bravery, devotion and kindness since the awards began in 2011. All of us at Hidden Hearing look forward to honouring more Hidden Heroes at this year’s ceremony.”
All the shortlisted nominees will be welcomed to a star-studded gala celebration lunch in the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin on September 9 hosted by broadcaster Mary Kennedy.
