New limb difference group shows solidarity with Lily McGarry at inaugural event

A new support group, made up of people in Jersey with amputations and congenital limb differences, wants to show that life after limb loss is full of purpose and community.

Jersey Limb Difference Support Group is organising a powerful show of solidarity this spring Bank Holiday to show support for Lily McGarry.

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

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

Thousands got behind the medical student and keen triathlete's fundraiser for prosthetic limbs, including the Chief Minister and Tigers Swimming Club, where she used to swim.

In April, hundreds of people gathered in Liberation Square, wearing orange to show support and raise awareness for limb loss. 

READ: Support for Lily McGarry grows with 'wear orange' gathering in Liberation Square

Now, the newly-established group will be doing 'The Walk of Support' for Lily on Monday (26 May) at 11 am, starting opposite the Grand Hotel in St. Helier and continuing along the seafront towards St. Aubin’s harbour.

Greg Murray lost his leg to bone cancer thirteen years ago, and is organising the event and the group:

"We're hoping that the event is a signal to the community how much we really care for Lily and her future, and that we can, through what we do through the Limb Difference Support Group, help her along the way as best we can. 

"We don't underestimate the challenge because a lot of our members have been through it, but we can empathise with some of those challenges she's going to be facing.

"We want to provide a space for shared experiences, encouragement and practical help, as well as fun. There are things that we can achieve as people with limb difference which probably astound ourselves and other people."

The island exploded with support for Lily, a medical student at Cardiff University and a keen local runner, surfer and swimmer.

Simon Rodrick is a family friend and fellow triathlete of Lily and her family:

"The collective wish to show support to Lily is unbelievable.

"She's made some brilliant progress. She's moved from the ICU to the burns unit to look after the skin grafts. 

"She got her first manual wheelchair, which was a joy to see because we could take her into the hospital grounds, into the fresh air,

"She's also got her first soft prosthetic - I've never seen such a beaming smile, to see those little snippets of progress is superb.

"She's got the mental capacity, she will be back, she will do her studies.

"And no doubt she will join us on this walk in the future."

You can join the 'Jersey Limb Difference Support Group' here.

The event on Monday is open to everyone, including those using disability scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids, or simply their feet.

There are cafes along the route where people are welcome to refuel.

Friends, family, supporters, and members of the public are warmly invited to join and show their solidarity, a group photo will be sent to Lily along with messages of encouragement from the community.