Farrans Sacyr Joint Venture helps create lasting legacy for families affected by brain injury
A fundraising effort inspired by creativity, community and one family’s story has helped transform an outdoor space at Brain Injury Matters into a welcoming garden hub for people affected by acquired brain injury.
When Robert “Bertie” McCreadie experienced a life-changing brain injury in 2005, he was no longer able to continue his passion for carpentry. But his creativity did not stop; it simply found a new outlet through drawing.
Robert passed away in 2021, but his legacy has continued through his family’s efforts to celebrate his talent and support others living with the impact of acquired brain injury across Northern Ireland.
In 2025, Bertie’s son, Duane McCreadie, and his family organised Talent in Two Halves, an exhibition at Vault Artist Studios and Gallery in Belfast. The exhibition showcased Bertie’s work from before and after his injury, telling a powerful story of resilience, adaptation and creativity.
The event raised funds for Brain Injury Matters, the Belfast-based charity supporting children, adults and families affected by acquired brain injury, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which provides vital support for families impacted by cystic fibrosis.
From fundraiser to garden hub
Building on the original fundraiser, Duane and his colleagues in Farrans Sacyr Joint Venture held a coffee morning at Belfast Grand Central Station, the new world-class transport hub for the city.
From the outset, the aim was to ensure that the funds raised would make a meaningful difference in the local community Brain Injury Matters serves. With a focus on growth, creative health and practical support, the idea of enhancing an outdoor garden space began to take shape.
That ambition has now become ‘The Bertie Suite’, a community garden space at Brain Injury Matters where families can take part in gardening and horticulture programmes, spend time outdoors among plants and flowers, and access shelter during less favourable weather.
Located beside Brain Injury Matters off the Castlereagh Road, the outdoor area has supported the charity’s programmes for many years. With the help of Duane, Farrans Sacyr JV colleagues and volunteers from across the building and construction sector, the space has now been made even more welcoming, accessible and useful for families and staff.
Supporting families across Northern Ireland
Brain Injury Matters supports families across all five Health and Social Care Trust areas in Northern Ireland. Many of those families are navigating sudden and permanent change following a loved one’s brain injury.
Duane’s decision to support a community affected by brain injury recognises that acquired brain injury does not only affect the person who has been injured. It can have a lasting impact on families, carers and the wider support network around them.
“Farrans Sacyr Joint Venture’s support for Brain Injury Matters and the work we do is something that I’ll always be grateful for, because it’s leaving a legacy for other families and creating an outdoor space that will have an impact on many people for a long time. I can’t thank Duane, Sara, and the team who made this happen enough.” Gerard Anderson, CEO of Brain Injury Matters
Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr JV, said his father’s story inspired the fundraising and the practical support for The Hub.
“My father was a talented carpenter and wood sculptor who created some wonderful pieces of art. While in his early 50s he was sadly struck with a life-changing brain injury and had to give up his beloved carpentry. His love of art evolved and he turned his talent to paper instead, switching from sculptures to drawings in the later half of his life.”
“I wanted to celebrate his life and his talent through the exhibition and it followed on nicely that through our social value programme on Belfast Grand Central Station we were able to host a coffee morning and support practically with the development of the garden. Our family is very grateful that the service users and families have chosen to call the outdoor space The Bertie Suite. This is an excellent legacy for my father which will have a positive impact on many people.”
The project was made possible through community support, volunteering hours and contributions of materials from the Farrans Sacyr JV team, Mastercraft Construction, Dowds M&E, CB Contracts, part of the Bell Group, FK Lowry and many other community members who gave their time to help bring the garden to life.
For Farrans Sacyr JV, social value means using influence, resources and partnerships to make great things happen and create a positive impact for people and communities.
About Brain Injury Matters
Brain Injury Matters is a Northern Ireland-wide charity supporting children, adults and families affected by acquired brain injury. To find out more, or to access support, telephone 028 9070 5125, email info@braininjurymatters.org.uk or visit www.braininjurymatters.org.uk.
