Jersey athlete, Lily McGarry, appeals for donations for prosthetic limbs

Thursday, 17 April 2025 11:38

She is keen to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy, but just one prosthetic leg exceeds £100,000.

A 23-year-old runner, surfer, swimmer and medical student who lost all her limbs due to meningococcal septicaemia, is looking for advanced prosthetics so she can continue her hobbies.

Lily McGarry, 23, underwent surgery to shorten all four limbs after being diagnosed with septic shock.

She suffered two cardiac arrests and fought for her life at University Hospital Wales.

After two weeks in a coma, she began to show signs of recovery, but an MRI revealed multiple brain, spleen and liver infarcts, leaving the long-term effects uncertain.

The infection caused severe blood flow issues, and as a result, Lily has undergone surgery to shorten all four limbs.

Before her illness, Lily was an avid swimmer at Jersey Tigers, a runner, and a surfer.

Lily and her family are looking for donations to fund advanced prosthetics available through private companies, to give her the mobility and independence to return to these activities.

She is keen to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy, but just one prosthetic leg exceeds £100,000.

Thousands of people have got behind Lily's fundraiser, including the Chief Minister and Tigers Swimming Club.

Lily has faced unimaginable challenges after a sudden illness. We need your help to support her recovery and independence. Please consider donating or sharing to make a difference. https://t.co/ii85Z2t34M pic.twitter.com/zXH64S2akj
— Sen. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) April 16, 2025

Any funds not directly used for Lily’s care will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts to enhance their quality of life and aid in lifelong rehabilitation.

Her GoFundMe page is here.