Earlier victim of para-transit assault is having benefit after serious head injury at school

Brenton Gillespie fell down the stairs recently at school. His head injuries were serious enough to send him to the hospital in Moncton, NB.

Brenton, who lives with a learning disability, was the victim last year of an assault by his Para transit driver. The driver pled guilty in court and was given a conditional discharge.

Valerie Gillespie, Brenton’s mother, was outraged that a person convicted of assault would be driving children with disabilities. While the School Board banned the driver, Pat and the Elephant continue to employ the driver in that role. The ordeal of the assault, court and subsequent controversy has been hard on the family.

“Brenton was at school one day. While walking down the stairs with a teacher, he slipped and fell the length of the stairs. He suffered severe head injuries.

He was rushed to the QEH hospital then air lifted to Moncton Hospital to undergo brain surgery. He swelling on his brain and was bleeding from his ears.

“After a couple of weeks of recovery at the Moncton Hospital he was then released to the QEH hospital in which he is still undergoing recovery.”

“Brenton Gillespie attends Birchwood Junior High School. When he was born he was a healthy little boy who developed epilepsy which caused him throughout the years to have massive seizures that lead to long term disabilities.”

“The family and friends who are organizing the benefit are asking everybody for their support to help out Brenton and his family as he is still recovering.”

“If you would like to volunteer to help out at the benefit as well, please let us know! Any donations for the benefit would be greatly appreciated! There will be plenty of music and fun for a good Sunday afternoon outing and for a good cause! You are all welcome!! Just because you may not know Brenton, our family will still be as appreciative as if you were our family!! Thanks in advance for any support you can give! Hope to see you all there!! Please extend this invitation to all your family & friends as well!!”

A Facebook page has been setup to register.

Benefit

Date: Sunday, February 7, 2010

Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Location: Winsloe Lions Hall, Queens County, PEI

With text from the Facebook announcement.