Derry Family Transforms Home Into Halloween Display to Honor Late Son and Benefit Epilepsy Action
A Derry family has transformed their home on Liscloon Drive in the Shantallow area into an extensive Halloween display to honor the memory of their late son, Peter, and raise funds for Epilepsy Action. John and Orla O’Hagan lost Peter to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) five years ago, just 16 months after his initial diagnosis.
Because Peter loved Halloween, his parents chose the holiday to mount the tribute. John O’Hagan spent three days decorating the house by himself, placing a donation box beside a clown figure in the front garden. The display has drawn enthusiastic attention from neighborhood children passing by on their way to school each morning.
Community Support and Voluntary Donations During SUDEP Awareness Month
The O’Hagan family’s fundraiser coincides with SUDEP Awareness Month, bringing attention to a little-known phenomenon affecting individuals with epilepsy. Epilepsy Action operates as a UK charity focused on assisting those affected by the condition, spreading awareness, and advocating for improved treatments and services.
Having previously raised funds for the cause through different means, the family decided to utilize a collection box this time around to further support a group they regard as being “always there.” Acknowledging the financial strains typical of a costly season, John O’Hagan stressed that all donations remain completely optional.
We’re not putting pressure on anybody. It’s if you have it, just please donate it,
John O’Hagan said. It doesn’t matter how small it is; it helps.
Weekend Visits and Ongoing Remembrance
Peter’s childhood friends, who are now in their twenties and working, are expected to visit the Liscloon Drive home over the weekend to view the display. The local response has continued to grow as residents stop to observe the decorations before heading out for the day.
Everybody stops to look at it and then heads on to school… That’s what it’s all about,
John O’Hagan said.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Liscloon Drive Fundraiser
How long did it take to set up the Halloween display?
John O’Hagan spent three days decorating the house on Liscloon Drive by himself, completing the setup with a collection box placed beside a clown in the garden.
Which charity does the Liscloon Drive fundraiser support?
The donations collected at the O’Hagan family home go to Epilepsy Action, a UK-based charity that provided the family with huge support following Peter’s death.
When did Peter O’Hagan pass away?
Peter O’Hagan passed away from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) five years ago, 16 months after his epilepsy diagnosis.