There has been a heart-warming response from medical people and others to my recent report about Ms Margaret Trundle, of Midleton, Co Cork, whose son, Rory (23), suffered brain damage at birth.
He is prone to spasmodic outbreaks of violence against his mother and has even caused her serious injury. Recently he held her in an armlock and beat her about the head and face.
For years Ms Trundle has been desperate to find out what triggers these outbreaks. But to date she has had no success.
She loves her son and wants him to stay at home, but she does not want to live in fear. If the reason for the violent outbreaks could be established, Ms Trundle feels, she might be able to take the necessary action to prevent them. And perhaps the quality of both of their lives could be improved.
Following Ms Trundle's interview, medical people from all over Ireland got in touch to offer a helping hand. So did parents who were in a similar situation.
Now, for the first time in years, she said, a ray of hope is shining through. Today she will meet a specialist who has spent more than 20 years in the US treating people with a similar condition to her son's. Ms Trundle has promised to keep in touch as matters progress. We wish her well.