Fatialofa in ‘miracle’ recovery
Michael Fatialofa’s wife has described his recovery from spinal surgery as a ‘‘miracle’’ after posting a video of the former Hurricanes lock walking without assistance in an English hospital.
The 27-year-old was injured while playing for Worcester Warriors against Saracens in the English Premiership and spent four weeks in a London hospital, where he had surgery to ease swelling.
Tatiana Fatialofa, who has been at her husband’s side throughout, posted a video on Instagram – which was shared by his former Hurricanes team-mate Loni Uhila – of the determined Kiwi forward taking confident steps in a rehabilitation unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Fatialofa is showing remarkable determination to live the rest of his life without a wheelchair, and the video is further proof of his progress.
Tatiana said Fatialofa had amazed his doctors.
She wrote: ‘‘Not blowing smoke when I say ‘Jesus is the answer’. I truly mean it because you are witnessing a MIRACLE that even medical professionals can’t explain.
‘‘They are so shook by his progress given his critical level of injury.
‘‘Y’all he was literally paralysed from the neck down just 10 weeks ago and currently spinal cord injuries do not have a clinic cure, but my amazing husband is proof that God is never limited to human wisdom. So so so thankful.’’
The rugby community has rallied behind Fatialofa since the injury on January 4.
A JustGiving page was set up by the Rugby Players’ Association’s Restart charity to provide for his immediate needs and future costs and unforeseen expenses. More than £37,000 ($74,000) has been raised so far.