A sporty medical student has been left a quadruple amputee after what she thought was a simple bout of the
flu
turned out to be a life-threatening
sepsis
infection.
Lily McGarry, 23, from Jersey, was studying medicine at Cardiff University when she was rushed to A&E in January with flu-like symptoms.
Within hours, Lily, who has been described by her family as ‘kind, thoughtful and positive’, suffered two cardiac arrests and was placed in a medically-induced coma.
Doctors at University Hospital Wales diagnosed the keen athlete with deadly meningococcal septicaemia – a rare and aggressive bacterial infection that can cause rapid organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
When Lily woke up from the coma two weeks later, she was told the infection had caused irreversible damage to all four of her limbs.
Surgeons were forced to amputate both of the Lily’s legs above the knee and her arms at the elbow in order to save her life.
Prior to her illness, Lily, who also has a first-class degree in Medical Pharmacology, was an avid swimmer, runner and surfer.
She also ran the Cardiff Half Marathon in October – raising hundreds of pounds for her university’s research into Alzheimer’s disease.
‘I hope that any fundraising I can do to help this research may have the potential to accelerate the pace of drug discovery aimed at preventing or slowing the progression of dementia,’ Lily wrote at the time.
‘As a future doctor, I hope that I will have the opportunity to put some of this research into practice to improve the quality of life of patients living with dementia.’
Lily’s family said sport is ‘essential’ to her happiness and described her recent quadruple amputation as ‘devastating’.
However, they added that her strength and determination after the life-changing operation has remained ‘unshaken’.
Her mother Jo Gorrod and friend Tanya
today set up a GoFundMe to support Lily’s recovery and help her take part in the activities she loves once again
.
The online fundraiser has already raised more than £14,000 in less than 24 hours, with nearly 300 people pledging their support.
‘We are committed to ensuring that Lily has the best chance for recovery and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.’ Ms Gorrod wrote on the GoFundMe page.
‘Before her illness, Lily was an avid swimmer, runner, and surfer, and these sports are essential to her well-being and happiness.
‘The advanced prosthetics available through private companies will give her the mobility and independence to return to these activities.
‘This will not only aid her physical recovery but also allow her to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy.
‘Funds raised here will go directly towards prosthetics, adaptations to living environment, as well as the physiotherapy and rehabilitation necessary for Lily’s recovery.
‘Any funds not directly used for Lily’s care will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts to enhance their quality of life and aid in lifelong rehabilitation.’
She added: ‘Your support will make a world of difference in helping Lily rebuild her life, regain her independence, and pursue her dreams.’
To donate to Lily’s GoFundMe page,
click here
.
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