A fundraiser set up to help a sporty young islander “rebuild her life” after she lost all four limbs to an aggressive infection has raised over a quarter-of-a-million pounds.
In January this year, Cardiff University medical student Lily McGarry was rushed to hospital 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 former JCG student lost all four limbs as a result.
Earlier this week, her family launched a fundraising page to go towards the purchase of prosthetics Lily will need to gain back her independence.
It has now raised over £265,000.
Speaking to Express, Lily’s mum Joanne Gorrod said the level of support “had been fantastic”.
She said: “Lily will need some kind of assistance for the rest of her life.
“It’s now our role to help her become independent again.”
The next goal for Lily is for her to slowly transition out of intensive care and build up strength, which will likely take many months, her mum said.
“A lot of adaptations will be needed,” she added.
“She will probably spend quite a bit of her time in a wheelchair as well as prosthetics.
“We will have to adapt her car, her living space. There’s a huge amount to plan for her.”
Lily also wants to resume her studies with Cardiff University, where she was in her second year of study to become a doctor, when she can.
DONATE…
You can “help Lily rebuild her life” by donating to her online fundraising page.
Lily’s family have asked the public to avoid contacting her directly while she remains in a vulnerable position.