SEAN ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Anfield attack victim ‘eating without feed tube’ reveals wife
LIVERPOOL attack victim Sean Cox is trying to sing and is eating and drinking again, his proud family revealed.
The 53-year-old, from Co Meath, suffered brain injuries before a match in Anfield eight months ago and €1.1million has been raised for his care.
Wife Martina said he no longer uses a feeding tube and “had some more words”. She added: “These are encouraging and proud steps for us all.”
SERIOUSLY injured Liverpool fan Sean Cox is eating without a feeding tube and is trying to join in with his favourite songs, his wife revealed.
The 53-year-old was left with devastating injuries after he was violently attacked before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final against Roma on April 24.
His wife Martina has now offered a positive update on his condition and progress at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
In a heartfelt message, she told how the past few months have been difficult but the family are working through it thanks to the support of loved ones and friends.
Martina said: “This time last year we were an ordinary family looking forward to another New Year and what that would bring.
“Sean or I never dreamt that 12 months on, there would be websites or media interviews or fundraising events all brought about by what happened after he was attacked.
“While it has been an exceptionally difficult time, what has helped me and the kids get through it has been the overwhelming goodwill of Sean’s family, friends, supporters and the general public.
CAMPAIGN
“The Support Sean campaign has witnessed huge generosity and has raised €1.1million to date.
“As we reach the end of 2018, I would like to extend a huge expression of gratitude to everyone who supported Sean and I and our children Jack, Shauna and Emma.”
Martina, from Dunboyne in Co Meath, said the family visited him in hospital over the festive period.
She added: “We spent a lot of time with Sean in the National Rehabilitation Hospital where he is continuing to make progress.
“He no longer has a feeding tube so is starting to eat and drink again with the help of the wonderful nursing staff.
“Sean has some more words and is trying very hard to sing along to familiar songs, these are encouraging and proud steps for us all.
“Our family used the time with Sean over Christmas to try and relay to him the public goodwill and support there has been for him over the eight months since his attack.
“We have shown him social media posts, press clippings and videos from fundraising events across Ireland, England and further afield, the Gofundme page and the Supportsean.com website, letters and signed jerseys all in aid of him and his recovery.
“People whom we have never met have been there for us in so many ways, alongside our family, friends and local community. While we have a battle ahead again in 2019, our burden is lightened by this love and support for Sean. Thank you for everything you have done for Sean, our family and me during 2018. To the communities of Dunboyne, Dublin, Ireland, Liverpool and many other places across the world, to people who took part in events for Sean, organised fundraisers or donated online, to the child who sent €5 of their pocket money in an envelope to our house, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you and Happy New Year.”
Filippo Lombardi, 21, was cleared of inflicting grievous bodily harm on the father of three but was jailed for three years for violent disorder in October.
The Italian student was one of a group of around 30 Roma supporters who were seen outside the stadium. Lombardi was caught on camera swinging a belt as another man, referred to as N40, punched Sean, causing him to fall to the ground.
The court heard at the time another man had been arrested in Rome in connection with the attack and was awaiting extradition.
And in August, Daniele Sciusco, 29, was jailed for two-and-a-half years having admitted to violent disorder.
We have a battle ahead & our burden is lightened by this love for Sean
MARTINA COX YESTERDAY