At the announcement of the first of two Croí PhD scholarships at the University of Galway to support research into stroke prevention and recovery, funded by the Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam. From left: Dr. Tom Burke, lecturer at the School of Psychology, University of Galway; Julie Stafford, Director of Development, University of Galway; Brian McGuire, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Galway; Mary Lardner, Joe and Helen O’Toole Trust; Professor Peter McHugh, President, University of Galway; Brid Spillane, PhD student; Matty O’Toole, Joe and Helen O’Toole Trust; Mark Gantly, chairman, Croí; Joanna Jordan, Joe and Helen O’Toole Trust; Mark O’Donnell, Chief Executive, Croí; Dr. Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes and Health Psychologist, Croí. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Croí announces PhD scholarships to support research into strokes

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Croí, the west of Ireland heart and stroke charity, has unveiled plans for a major investment in stroke research made possible by a generous legacy from the Joe and Helen O'Toole Charitable Trust (Tuam).

This legacy will fund two PhD scholarships dedicated to advancing research in the fields of stroke prevention and recovery.

The scholarships will support two PhD students at the University of Galway. They will run consecutively over an eight-year period, ensuring long-term progress and innovation in stroke research.

The first scholarship recipient is Bríd Spillane, a clinical specialist physiotherapist in neurorehabilitation with a specialised focus on complex stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Bríd has worked in leading rehabilitation units in the UK and holds an MSc in neurorehabilitation from Brunel University in London, as well as a BSc in physiotherapy from University College Dublin.

Bríd will pursue her PhD at University of Galway, supported by the Joe and Helen O'Toole Research Scholarship and supervised by Professor of Clinical Psychology, Brian McGuire, and Dr. Tom Burke, lecturer at the School of Psychology. Her research aims to enhance stroke rehabilitation and secondary stroke prevention by focusing on improving real-life walking performance for stroke survivors. Through collaboration with local stroke survivors and the Croí team, Bríd will develop a novel programme aimed at boosting everyday walking post-stroke.

The initiative’s primary goals are to increase functional mobility and reduce cardiovascular risk factors, ultimately improving quality of life for survivors.

Mark Gantly, chair of the board of Croí, commented: “We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam. Their legacy is helping Croí to continue its critical work in stroke prevention and recovery research.

“We are excited to see the impact this funding will have on the future of stroke rehabilitation, not only for stroke survivors in Ireland but further afield, through this PhD. The work of Bríd Spillane and the scholarship recipient to come will push the boundaries of what’s possible in stroke recovery and prevention.”

Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, in their statement, said: “It is an honour to support Croí’s mission through this meaningful investment in stroke research. Joe and Helen had a deep passion for supporting causes that make a real difference to people’s lives. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative, which we hope will lead to lasting improvements in stroke recovery and prevention.”

Croí continues its commitment to advancing heart and stroke care through innovative research, supported by partnerships such as the Joe and Helen O'Toole Charitable Trust, ensuring a healthier future for stroke survivors.

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