On 18 June 2016, the An Saol Foundation launched a three year pilot programme aimed at connecting the practice of neuro-rehabilitation in Ireland with the results of recent research showing that intensive mental and physical exercise is the only reliable strategy to regain function in the case of a severe Acquired Brain Injury.

The pilot programme will establish a day-care centre for five survivors of sABI offering an intensive and inclusive neurological rehabilitation programme that will be informed by best international practice. The total cost of the three-year programme is estimated to be 1.5 million euro. From this we hope to show what can be done and help to get the Irish medical system to make change and offer the services deserved by people with sABI.

Fundraising for the An Saol Project kicked off on 26 June in the USA where a group of Padraig Schaler’s friends cycled from Boston to Cape Cod to arrive at the location of Pádraig’s accident on the third anniversary, 27 June. This was supported by a parallel “Summer Session supporting An Saol and The Great American Cycle” on 26 June 2016 in the Pavilion Bar in Ireland.

A second major fundraising cycle is now underway, from Hollywood to Napa, taking in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. The cycles are sponsored by Californian bicycle manufacturer Marin Bikes, Little Sport of Fairview, Dublin and Rotary Clubs International.