A 13-year-old girl has lost both her legs in a devastating farm accident that happened just days before her birthday.
Féile O’Sullivan, from the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, was left fighting for her life after suffering horrific injuries while on a family farm.
She was airlifted to Cork University Hospital with severe damage to her lower abdomen and legs, and doctors had no choice but to carry out an emergency double amputation.
For days, medical staff worked around the clock to stabilise her, but the extent of her injuries meant she later had to be transferred to a specialist unit in Dublin. Her condition was so critical, the move was delayed for weeks.
Féile is now in Dublin, beginning what will be a long and difficult rehabilitation. Doctors have said it could be more than a year before she’s able to return home to Beara.
Local Councillor Finbarr Harrington described Féile as a remarkable young girl who has already overcome extraordinary odds.
He told CorkBeo: ‘Féile is an incredibly strong girl, in every way. She might not have made it without that strength, and she has faced everything and is still fighting, she is just incredible.
‘She has already undergone around 15 surgeries. It’s incredibly difficult for Feile and for her mother Maureen and everybody in the community here wants to support them and let them know they will be there for them now and in the years to come.’
Féile O’Sullivan, from the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, was left fighting for her life after suffering horrific injuries while on a family farm
A fundraising committee has been formed to help Féile and her family face the massive changes ahead.
Cllr Harrington added: ‘If you look at who is involved, it is just about every group and every organisation from Beara, Féile played football with Garnish GAA and Beara Ladies, her mother played for her club and for Cork, there’s the GAA, there’s the local soccer club, Beara United, nationally, we will have Macra na Feirme and the Men’s Shed movement getting involved.
‘This is just the start of it. Féile is going to need her house altered for when she comes home, the family will need an adapted car, she will need support for the rest of her life and everybody here, the whole community, wants the family to know they will get that.
‘Her whole life changed in a split second. But she will have the support of the people here for the rest of her life. That is what we are all working for together, now.’
The team behind the fundraiser is urging people from across Ireland and even further afield to come forward with help. Cllr Harrington asked builders to help with supplies and people to donate windows and doors.
A GoFundMe page set up to support Féile had already raised tens of thousands. The organisers are hoping to reach a target of €140,000 to help cover the huge costs her family now faces.
With a large Irish diaspora from Beara living in places like the US and Australia, the committee expects donations to continue flooding in from all over the world.
A GoFundMe page set up to support Féile had already raised tens of thousands. The organisers are hoping to reach a target of €140,000 to help cover the huge costs of her recovery
In a heartfelt message on the GoFundMe page, supporters gave a glimpse of the vibrant young girl they’re fighting for.
They wrote: ‘Anyone lucky enough to know Féile will tell you how full of life, energy, fun, kindness and what a pure messer she is. She adores dogs and horses.
‘Farming is in her blood, and she loves everything about nature, outdoors, staying active – She’s also a true sports star – whether football, soccer, gymnastics, or anything involving movement and fun, Féile is always giving it her all, with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes. This accident hasn’t changed who she is, but has just changed what she now needs.
‘The road ahead will be lengthy and demanding. Féile has undergone extensive surgeries and fought hard to still be with us. She will face many more surgeries to aid her.
They also said she will need prosthetic limbs and mobility aids as she recovers.
The statement added: ‘Her entire family is devastated. Her wonderful community too, resolved to remain resilient and support Féile.
‘The emotional and financial burden is immense. That’s why we’re reaching out – to ask you to back our remarkable girl during her toughest times.’
To support Féile O’Sullivan’s recovery and help her family, you can donate via the GoFundMe page. Those wanting to offer help in other ways can also contact the fundraising team through the Garnish GAA club’s official Facebook page.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .