Offaly family to launch poetry collection inspired by son's brain injury journey
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‘Waiting for James’ to launch on World Brain Day (July 22, 2026) in support of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
A powerful new poetry collection inspired by an Offaly family’s experience of acquired brain injury is set to be officially launched at the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore on World Brain Day, Wednesday July 22.
All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland).
‘Waiting for James’, written by local poet John Saunders, tells the story of his family’s journey after his son, James, sustained a life-changing acquired brain injury in a road traffic accident in 2019 at the age of 12.
Through a deeply personal collection of poems, John captures the fear, uncertainty, hope and resilience that followed in the aftermath of James’ injury.
While rooted in one family’s experience, the collection speaks to the reality faced by thousands of people across Ireland living with the impact of brain injury and to the families, friends and carers who support them every day.
The public is invited to attend the book launch and hear readings from the collection, meet John and James Saunders, and learn more about the impact of brain injury and the support available through ABI Ireland.
The launch coincides with World Brain Day, a global awareness day which highlights the importance of brain health and the challenges faced by people living with brain injury in Ireland.
Speaking ahead of the launch, author John Saunders said: “Waiting for James began as a way of processing what our family was going through after James’ accident. It is a sad story but also one of hope, trials and tribulations, and successes since then.”
He added: “My hope is that these poems offer comfort, reflection, and a sense of being understood. As a way of giving something back, I have donated this collection of poems to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.”
James’ story is one of remarkable determination and resilience. Reflecting on his recovery journey, James said: “They said I wouldn’t survive. I did. They said I wouldn’t walk or talk. I can, and you can’t shut me up.”
ABI Ireland welcomed the launch and praised the Saunders family for sharing their story.
ABI Ireland CEO, Karen Foley, commented: “We are deeply grateful to John, James and the entire Saunders family for their incredible generosity in donating all proceeds from ‘Waiting for James’ to ABI Ireland.”
“By sharing their personal story with such honesty and courage, they are helping to shine a light on the realities of living with a brain injury and the profound impact it has on individuals and families. “
She concluded: “James’ story also raises awareness of the life-changing benefits of specialist community rehabilitation, particularly at a time when there are no dedicated specialist community rehabilitation services for children or young people living with an acquired brain injury in Ireland.”