Thumbs up! Balcony hero Jack is smiling in hospital
BERKELEY balcony hero Jack Halpin has posted a picture as recovers from his injuries – as more top acts sign up to a fundraiser for the victims.
The 21-year-old was one of seven survivors who suffered horrific injuries when a balcony collapsed in Berkeley, California, last month, killing six Irish students.
UCD student Mr Halpin, who can be seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up in the picture, was credited with saving the life of Clodagh Cogley.
It is believed he tried to break Ms Cogley’s fall during the balcony collapse on June 16.
Mr Halpin, who played Gaelic games with Dub- lin club St Judes, suffered spinal injuries, a broken hip and leg, shattered knee-cap and internal injuries.
A statement on the fundraising Judes for Jack website said: ‘When his doctors have done all they can for him, a very long and complicated course of rehabilitation begins. There will also, unavoidably, have to be modifications to Jack’s home.
‘Jack faces a very tough ordeal in the months ahead. With the support of his family and friends, his club and its parish and beyond, let us do all we can to help make his progress back to full health as timely and successful as it can be.’
Mr Halpin’s parents are with him as he recovers in San Francisco.
It comes as singer Mundy has announced he will play the Berkeley Fundraiser at Dublin’s Academy on July 23.
The event has been organised in support of the victims of the Berkeley tragedy to raise funds for students who have been left with life-altering injuries following the balcony collapse.
Omniplex Rathmines, where Mr Halpin used to work, is next Wednesday to host a screening of Inside Out to raise money.