ISLANDERS are being urged to wear orange and gather in Liberation Square this Wednesday to show solidarity with a 23-year-old medical student from Jersey who became a quadruple amputee after developing sepsis.
The initiative, called Wear Orange Wednesday, is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference.
There will be a group photo at 1pm on 23 April, and attendees are encouraged to wear something orange.
It comes as Lily McGarry, who lost four limbs to an aggressive infection, touched thousands across the island and beyond with her bravery.
In January this year, the Cardiff University medical student was rushed to hospital with flu-like symptoms, which rapidly worsened into septic shock.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia, a severe and aggressive infection.
Despite suffering two cardiac arrests, Lily fought for her life – but the infection caused severe blood flow issues, and the former JCG student lost all four limbs as a result.
Last week, her family launched a fundraising page to go towards the purchase of prosthetics Lily will need to gain back her independence.
It has now raised over £281,000 — surpassing their £250,000 goal.
Any extra funds raised through the campaign will go to UK amputee charity Limb Power, which supports individuals and families affected by limb loss.
Speaking to the JEP, Lily’s mum Joanne Gorrod said the level of support “had been fantastic.”
She said: “Lily will need some kind of assistance for the rest of her life. It’s now our role to help her become independent again.”
The next goal for Lily is for her to slowly transition out of intensive care and build up strength, which will likely take many months, her mum said.
“A lot of adaptations will be needed,” she added. “She will probably spend quite a bit of her time in a wheelchair as well as prosthetics. We will have to adapt her car, her living space. There’s a huge amount to plan for her.”
Lily also wants to resume her studies with Cardiff University, where she was in her second year of study to become a doctor, when she can.
A social media post promoting the gathering reads: “Let’s show our support for Lily McGarry and her friends and family by coming together this Wednesday 23rd April at 1pm in Liberation Square for a group photo all wearing something orange.”
DONATE…
You can “help Lily rebuild her life” by donating to her online fundraising page.
Lily’s family have asked the public to avoid contacting her directly while she remains in a vulnerable position.
