Life-changing injuries suffered by a Jersey student have inspired a new fundraising campaign to help bring a mobile accessible toilet and changing facility to the Island.
Enable Jersey has launched its first Life Without Limits Raffle, with money raised helping fund a Mobiloo – a mobile, fully accessible toilet and changing facility designed to allow disabled people to take part in community events without facing accessibility barriers.
The charity said the idea had been driven by Lily McGarry, who lost all four limbs after contracting meningococcal septicaemia while studying medicine at Cardiff University in January 2025.
Eighteen months on, she is back home in Jersey, adapting to new prosthetic limbs while raising awareness of acquired disability.
Enable chief executive Sean Pontin said the raffle had been designed to stand out from other charity fundraisers.
“At this time of year, a number of fellow charities are launching similar fundraisers but we have tried hard to make ours a little different, and of course it has been very specifically driven by the amazing Lily McGarry and her friends and family,” he said.
Mr Pontin added that getting to know Ms McGarry over the past year had been “a great pleasure”.
“In typical Lily fashion, when we talk about how we can support her, she talks about how she can support us and other people,” he said.
“Previously, she enjoyed a very active lifestyle and wants to get back to that and at the same time help others to do the same.”
Lily said her own experiences had highlighted how a lack of accessible facilities could affect disabled people.
“Until recently, I never understood the frustrations that a lack of accessibility can cause for those with extra needs,” she explained. “Now I’m experiencing it first-hand, I’ve noticed how much Jersey could improve on.”
The Mobiloo will help those with a disability gain access to the things they love like festivals and sporting events that able-bodied people take for granted
Lily Mcgarry
She added: “I would urge everyone to support Enable to help make this happen and broaden inclusivity on Island.
“None of us know when we or one of our loved ones might need extra assistance.
“The Mobiloo will help those with a disability gain access to the things they love like festivals and sporting events that able-bodied people take for granted.”
Enable fundraising coordinator Danielle Self said proceeds would also enable the charity to continue its work supporting Islanders living with disabilities and long-term conditions.
She said the proposed Mobiloo would help disabled people participate more fully in local events, adding that the aim was to ensure everyone could enjoy social and recreational activities without the accessibility challenges many currently face.
The raffle launched yesterday and offers a range of prizes, including a brand new all-electric Nissan Micra Advance as first prize.
Tickets cost £20 and will be available from Enable’s office at De Carteret House, Castle Street, at pop-up locations during the summer and online.
