Islanders are being urged to wear orange and gather in Liberation Square this week to show solidarity with a medical student from Jersey who recently became a quadruple amputee – after a fundraiser set up by her family raised over a quarter-of-a-million pounds.
The initiative, called ‘Wear Orange Wednesday’, is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference.
There will be a group photo in Liberation Square at 13:00 on Wednesday 23 April, and attendees are encouraged to wear something orange.
It comes as Lily McGarry, who lost all four limbs following aggressive infection, touched thousands across the island and beyond with her bravery.
In January, the Cardiff University medical student 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.
Last 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 £280,000.
Any extra funds raised through the campaign will go to UK amputee charity Limb Power, which supports individuals and families affected by limb loss.
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.