By 
A TRILLICK man who sustained a life-altering head injury almost 30 years ago has commenced a mammoth challenge to help his own mental health and wellbeing, while also supporting a charity which has been a lifeline to him.
Philip Tunney, 56, will walk the length of Main Street in Trillick a total of 26 times over the next couple of weeks.
This task which may not seem much to most people, but it will be a huge undertaking and test of perseverance for Philip given his severe mobility problems caused by a car accident in America in 1991 which put him in a coma for a few months.
Philip says he is “lucky to be alive” due to the hard work and dedicated attention of the medical staff and care workers who saved him.
When he returned home to Ireland there were very few services for brain injuries outside of Belfast.
However, Philip has been receiving fantastic support from the Headway group through its services in Enniskillen and Omagh Library.
They offered a range of physical and mindfulness activities pre-lockdown, and also provided a great social setting for Philip.
Now Philip wants to give something back to the group through his Main Street challenge.
Philip said, “As I’m currently unable to meet the group, I decided to get up and start walking the streets of Trillick for my own wellbeing and also raise some funds for the charity.
“I am going to walk up and down Main Street in Trillick a total of 26 times. I started last Friday and so far I’ve managed to do it twice a day. It takes me half an hour to get up the street, never mind get back down again, so it takes me a while.
“But the support I’m getting get in Trillick is fantastic with people beeping their horns and cheering me on. It is a great community here and they are keeping me motivated.”
Philip, son of Margaret and the late Vincent, is now asking for any donations or sponsorship and all support is deeply appreciated.
Donations can made at any shop in Trillick, to Philip or any member of his family or via the Headway website.
So far Philip has raised £1,000 and wishes to thank everyone for their support.
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