John and Orla O’Hagan Decorate Derry Home for SUDEP Awareness
A Derry family has transformed their home with Halloween decorations to raise funds for Epilepsy Action and honor the memory of their late son, Peter O’Hagan, who passed away from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) five years ago. John and Orla O’Hagan set up a donation box alongside a garden clown display at their residence on Liscloon Drive in the Shantallow area, aligning the fundraiser with SUDEP Awareness Month.
Fundraising for Epilepsy Action Following Family Loss
The O’Hagan family lost Peter just 16 months after his initial epilepsy diagnosis. Following his death, they received substantial backing from Epilepsy Action, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals with epilepsy, raising awareness, and campaigning for improved services and treatment. While the family has previously raised money for the organization through different methods, they chose a direct collection box approach this year. John O’Hagan spent three days decorating the property single-handedly, positioning the donation box beside a garden clown.
Community Support and Local Response in Shantallow
Local children walking past the house on Liscloon Drive before school have driven strong community engagement with the display. “Everybody stops to look at it and then heads on to school… That’s what it’s all about,” John O’Hagan said. Peter’s friends, now in their twenties and working, are expected to visit the house over the weekend to view the decorations. Acknowledging financial pressures at this time of year, John emphasized that contributions are entirely voluntary. “We’re not putting pressure on anybody. It’s if you have it, just please donate it,” he said, noting that even small amounts help.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shantallow Halloween Fundraiser
Why did the O’Hagan family choose Halloween for the fundraiser?
Peter O’Hagan loved Halloween, prompting his parents to decorate their home on Liscloon Drive in Shantallow to honor his memory during SUDEP Awareness Month.
How long did it take to set up the decorations?
John O’Hagan spent three days decorating the house entirely by himself, placing a collection box for Epilepsy Action beside a clown figure in the garden.
What organization receives the donations collected at the house?
Contributions support Epilepsy Action, a UK-based charity that provided crucial assistance to the family following Peter’s passing from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.