It goes without saying that a man who has suffered three heart attacks and has been fitted with seven stents clearly knows all about cardiac problems….but equally there’s nothing wrong with Vincent Browne’s big heart.
The 82 year old Galway city man has been a volunteer with Croí for the past 18 years, giving unstinting service to the Galway heart and stroke charity that has played such a role in his own life and wellbeing.
So much so that Vincent, from Renmore, has now been honoured with a special global award to recognize his sterling dedication.
Vincent is the first Irish person ever to receive the Bakken Award for ‘giving back’ of their time and talent for the betterment of others.
The Bakken Award is a legacy of Medtronic co-founder and humanitarian Earl Baken which connects and recognises people, who with the help of medical technology, are contributing in communities all around the world through charitable service and volunteerism.
The Bakken award programme receives hundreds of nominations each year, culminating in the celebration of ten honourees from across the world who are recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Vincent, a retired former employee of CIE in Galway has had numerous cardiac health challenges in his life, including three heart attacks and being fitted with seven stents.
But his relentless and tireless commitment to support the work of Croi for the past 18 years saw him announced as one of ten global winners at a special ceremony in Hawaii last month.
For health reasons Vincent was unable to attend the ceremony in Hawaii, but last week in their Galway facility in Parkmore, Medtronic management and staff hosted a special ceremony at their Parkmore facility to honour Vincent and to present him which his Bakken Medallion.
A large number of Vincent’s family, relatives, friends and neighbours together with representatives from Croi and the Cardiology department at Galway University Hospital gave him a standing ovation as he received his award from Jacob Gayle, Vice President of Medtronic Philanthropy.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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