Fatialofa ‘blessed to walk from hospital’
Former Hurricanes lock Michael Fatialofa was watching movies at home after walking out of hospital to an emotional reunion with wife Tatiana, and will continue his rehabilitation from a serious spinal injury at his English club.
The 27-year-old received a hug and a kiss from his wife after walking freely out the doors of the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylsebury, five months after suffering a severe contusion of his spinal cord, in a January 4match for the Worcesterwarriors.
Fatialofa said on Instagram he felt ‘‘blessed to be able to walk out of hospital today after arriving paralysed’’.
‘‘Thanks to the dream team at @theroyalbucks and St Marys Hospital for having me and getting me moving!’’
Tatiana, who supported her husband throughout his ordeal, said on Twitter: ‘‘Longest we’ve ever been apart in 10 years . . . finally WHOLE AGAIN.’’
She had earlier thanked everyone for supporting the couple. ‘‘He wouldn’t be coming home in this miraculous condition without your prayers, love & the support shown in various ways which will carry us thru the next phase,’’ she wrote on Twitter.
‘‘The last time I slept in our bed or woke up next to my husband was January 4. It’s June 6 now. A lot has changed, except one thing, he’s always been AMIRACLE (and currently a snoring one lol).’’
She also posted a photograph of Michael relaxing by watching amovie at their home.
Fatialofa was injured in a tackle just seconds after coming on as a substitute in amatch against Saracens.