The friend of a young islander who recently became a quadruple amputee has organised a fundraising run to help the 23-year-old get “the very best care possible” without having to worry about cost.
Daisy McAllister has set up a 10km run and cake sale to raise funds to give sports-loving islander Lily McGarry her independence back after she lost all four limbs following aggressive infection.
The ‘Run for Lily’ event will take place at St Ouen’s Bay on Sunday 4 May .
Long-time friend Daisy said she wants to show Lily “how deeply loved and supported she is through her recovery”.
Lily was rushed to hospital in January with flu-like symptoms, which rapidly worsened into septic shock.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia, a severe and aggressive infection.
Despite suffering two cardiac arrests, Lily fought for her life – but the infection caused severe blood flow issues, and the Cardiff medical student lost all four limbs as a result.
Daisy, who has known Lily since their school days together at Jersey College for Girls, said she wanted to do something tangible to help her friend and show her how much she is supported.
Speaking to Express, Daisy said: “She has been a good friend since we were at school together. She is genuinely the brightest, kindest, warmest person.
“It was such a shock to hear when I found out that she had meningitis, especially as she is so active and healthy and has always been involved in sports.”
Daisy said the fundraiser is not just about covering medical costs but about giving Lily the chance to reclaim her independence and continue living life on her own terms.
“Lily absolutely deserves access and opportunity not only to the sports she loves but to experience a life on her terms of her choosing,” she said.
“Advanced prosthetics are available through private companies which are expensive but Lily deserves the very best that modern medicine and technology can offer her.”
As well as prosthetics, Daisy explained there are further costs involved in adapting Lily’s home and car, and ensuring she has access to long-term medical care and support.
She added: “While Lily’s strength and resilience have been inspiring in battling meningitis, it is still early stages in the recovery process and I do not want cost to be a factor or concern for Lily and her family in getting her the very best care possible.”
Lily’s family recently launched a fundraising page to help meet some of those costs.
It has already raised more than £320,000.
Any funds above what is needed for Lily will go to UK amputee charity Limb Power, which supports individuals and families affected by limb loss.
More information about the ‘Run for Lily’ event can be found on Facebook.
Anyone who would like to take part in the run, donate baked goods for the cake sale, or simply show support is welcome to join the event, which will start at La Braye at 09:00 on Sunday 4 May.
DONATE…
You can donate to Lily’s fundraising page here.
Lily’s family have asked the public to avoid contacting her directly while she remains in a vulnerable position.