A fundraising swim to raise funds for a former triathlete who is recovering from the devastating consequences of meningococcal septicaemia is due to take place today.
‘Swim for Lily’ will see the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club members take to the water at St Catherine’s Breakwater in aid of Lily McGarry.
The 24-year-old is on the road to recovery after contracting the severe infection which left her as a quadruple amputee.
The former JCG student and keen triathlete was in her second year of a medical degree at Cardiff University when she was rushed into hospital with flu-like symptoms in January.
The Jersey community has since rallied around Lily and her family to raise money for prosthetics and home adaptations for the young islander through fundraising runs, fitness classes, walks and bake sales.
Lily’s story also inspired the creation of Jersey’s first support group dedicated to islanders with limb differences and amputees.
Billie Cave, a family friend and JLDSC member, explained that today’s swimming fundraiser was inspired by the fact that Lily was a keen triathlete.
She said: “Triathlon is a three-discipline event and there’s been a lot of fundraising runs, so I thought we should do a swim.”
Billie said that she was “shocked and horrified” when she heard that Lily had become so unwell after knowing her since she was a small child.
“This has happened to such a lovely young lady,” she added.
“But Lily’s whole attitude is so encouraging.
“Others would have given up but she’s putting up a true McGarry fight.”
The fundraiser will coincide with the JLDSC’s first swim of 2025 and a treat at the Breakwater Café, which is due to stay open especially to serve participants.
Money raised from the swim will add to what has now become a massive fundraising pot of over £400,000 to support the costs of physiotherapy and prosthetics for Lily.
In an update last month, Lily’s mum Jo Gorrod shared the good news that her daughter had moved out of intensive care at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital.
Lily is now focusing on rehabilitation with a team of nurses, physios and occupational therapists, she said.
DONATE…
You can donate to Lily’s fundraising page online.
Her family would like to use their experience to raise awareness of sepsis and the signs to look out for. You can find out more at www.sepsistrust.org.
Lily’s family has asked the public to avoid contacting her directly so early on her recovery journey.
