Rickie fund up to almost €90k
A CAMPAIGN set up to help cover the cost of ongoing treatment for a Ballyclough man who suffered “catastrophic” injuries during a holiday accident has managed to raise more almost €90,000.
Rickie Healy (27) was holidaying on the Spanish island of Ibiza with friends in July when he dived into a swimming pool at their holiday resort.
Unknown to Rickie, a strong swimmer and all-round sportsman, he had dived into the shallow end, striking his head and neck on the bottom of the pool.
The severe nature of his injuries meant that Rickie was airlifted to the nearby island of Majorca, where he was treated in intensive care for a number of days before being given the all-clear to fly back to Ireland.
He is currently being treated at the mater Hospital in Dublin while he awaits a bed at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire.
While Rickie has regained some slight movement in is upper arms, which while his family say is positive news, his brother Tadgh said that there was still a very long road ahead for Rickie.
“It is still very early days for Rickie and while we are heartened that he is making progress the, movement in his upper arms is still very localised,” said Tadgh.
He said that Rickie and all of the Healy family have been overwhelmed by the support and messages of goodwill they have received from the people of Ballyclough and the wider North Cork area.
“People have been just phenomenal through their donations to the appeal and their support for the fundraising events that have been held over recent weeks,” said Tadgh.
“I can safely say this support is playing no small part in keeping Rickie so positive and determined as he faces this long hard road.”
Recently Ballyclough GAA presented a cheque for the grand sum of €22,126 to the Rickie Healy Appeal, money raised through a table quiz held in the village.
Appeal spokeswoman Elizabeth Ahern thanked everyone who took part in the quiz and urged people to support other fundraising events being organised under the auspices of the appeal over the coming weeks.
On Saturday week the Cork Racecourse will hold ‘Racing for Rickie’, with all the proceeds from the first day of their October Weekend Festival going directly to the fund. Tickets are €15 and are available through the Rickie Healy Appeal Facebook page or from Elizabeth on 087 225 8413.
Other planned events include a dance at Grenagh Farm on Friday, October 20 and a night of social dancing at the Hazel Tree the following Monday evening.
“As Tadgh has already said the response to the appeal has been simply incredible. We have set a target of raising €150,000, which is very much achievable with the support of the local community,” said Elizabeth.
“With that in mind, we would ask that people come out to support these events and if they can’t, please attend them please donate to the appeal by following the link at www.gofundme. ie,” she added.