Lily McGarry 'feeling a lot stronger' as she prepares for move to rehab centre

Channel 103 has caught up with Lily McGarry and her friend Julia, who is hosting a concert this evening (7 August) to continue fundraising for Lily's ongoing care.

A 'very special' concert is taking place in Jersey this evening, in aid of Lily McGarry who lost her limbs in January after suddenly falling seriously ill with meningococcal septicaemia.

Her good friend and talented soprano Julia Callander has organised the performance, along with pianist Aaron Le Maistre, at Georgetown Methodist Church.

Entry will be free, with a retiring cash collection towards to Go Fund Me appeal that has already raised almost  £450,000 towards advanced prosthetic limbs and specialist physio for 24 year old Lily.

Julia told Channel 103:

"The response has been amazing. I know that Lily and her family are so appreciative of all of the fundraising efforts, and I'm anticipating that the concert will be very busy. 

"It's classical music, piano and voice, and then solo piano work. I'll be singing in French, Italian and English.

Lily has been following the fundraising efforts in Jersey from her hospital bed in Wales, and will be watching along online this evening:

"Delta Solutions has kindly offered to live stream it for free so she'll be able to tune in and watch the concert too."

Earlier this year,  keen athlete and medical student Lily underwent surgery to shorten all four limbs after being diagnosed with septic shock.

Since then, she and her family have been fundraising for advanced prosthetics that will need to be purchased privately, to give her the mobility and independence to return to what she loves.

Thousands of islanders have gathered over multiple fundraisers, to show support and raise funds.

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

Lily told Channel 103 that she is moving to a rehab centre in Cardiff, where she can continue her journey towards recovery.

"The kind of rehab that they provide in Cardiff is what I need to recover. 

"It involves quite intensive occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and they also have rehab coaches who encourage you to get back to normal living and to get more confident with your independence.

 "In physio here (in Swansea), they have a hand cycle machine, so I can wear my prosthetics and attach them to the bike. I loved running, cycling and swimming before I felt ill, so it's good to be using my body again.

"I'm feeling, in general, a lot stronger."

She says she 'can't put into words' how she feels about the show of support from people in Jersey, and her friends and family.

"I'm so proud of what Julia is doing. She has an incredible voice, I can't put into words how grateful I am. It makes me feel very loved."

The concert begins at 7.30 pm and entry is free. Refreshments and home baking will be on offer. 

There will be a retiring collection to raise funds in support of Lily.