Introducing – In the Name of the Son by Declan Duggan
In the Name of the Son is a powerful new book by Declan Duggan whose son, Kevin, was just 19 when he died in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK, on Saturday evening, 31st October 1998.
Kevin had unwittingly accepted a ride from a drunk driver. According to Declan, the local police force reported there was no suspicion of drunk driving, yet Declan would learn from Kevin’s friends at his funeral reception that both the driver of the car and the other surviving passenger had been on a day-long pub crawl. The reason for the police’s findings, “They could not draw a blood sample because the driver was unconscious at the scene of the crash and in the hospital and could not give consent,” explains Declan.
Turning his anger and grief into action, In the Name of the Son, chronicles Declan Duggan’s fifteen year journey to change the law and to establish a unique Golf Academy for underprivileged young players to honor his son, Kevin, whose big love was golf. And what a successful journey it has been.
July 11, 2002, “Duggan’s Law,” was passed, changing the law of consent to allow the draw of a blood sample when the driver is suspected of driving impaired. And, in 2006, the “Kevin Duggan Golf Academy” opened thanks to more than £300,000 raised through charity golf days and local community support. It’s purpose is to provide indoor teaching bays along with a nine-hole academy course and putting green to underprivileged and disadvantaged children and to honor his son’s memory (Kevin loved the game!).
The author, Declan Duggan, can be reached by email at declanduggan@hotmail.co.uk .
What a wonderful way to turn a tragedy into something positive. Thank you for sharing this Lisa!
Isn’t it though!! Thank you so much for adding your comment and sharing this with your readers, Carolyn!
Thank you Carolyn, I am just about to read up on you and Traveling Light
Declan