At the ‘My Brain: My Story‘ event in October 2021, John shared his experience of viral meningoencephalitis:

John worked as a headteacher in a school for children with complex learning needs in the centre of Dublin. He was actively involved in local and national educational boards, while working part time in three teacher training colleges. In 2016, he was diagnosed with viral meningoencephalitis. He has been playing piano since childhood and considers his passion for music as a fundamental part of his recovery. John also credits his grandson, who he lived with at the time, as a major source of support throughout his journey with this illness.