A FORMER JCG student who had all four limbs amputated after contracting an aggressive infection while studying to become a doctor has moved out of intensive care and begun her rehabilitation journey, her family has said.
In January this year, Cardiff University student Lily McGarry 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 Lily is now a quadruple amputee as a result.
In an update on Lily ‘s GoFundMe page, her mother, Jo Gorrod, said she has moved out of intensive care at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital, as she makes “positive moves forward” in her recovery journey.
She added that Lily is now focusing on rehabilitation, working with a team of nurses, physios and occupational therapists.
Mrs Gorrod said that Lily now has her own fitted wheelchair and is able to move more around the hospital grounds.
She added that Lily has also begun using an “ingeniously designed” prosthesis earlier this month that allows her to complete basic tasks such as brushing her teeth -something she hasn’t been able to do in months.
“Small things can make a big difference,” Mrs Gorrod said.
Since her family publicly shared her story in April, almost £400,000 pounds has been raised to support Lily in her recovery, and several fundraising events have taken place for her in Jersey and Cardiff – where she was studying for a medical degree – including walks, runs and bake sales.
Lily also inspired the launch of Jersey’s first support group dedicated to local amputees and Islanders with genetic limb differences.
Jersey Limb Difference Support Group will continue their support for Lily on Monday.
‘The Walk of Support for Lily’ will start at 11 am from West Park and head around St Aubin’s Bay.
The group said it was not a fundraiser but to be “a symbol of support, resilience, and hope” for Lily, adding that a photo from the event would be sent to her along with messages of encouragement.
You can donate to Lily’s fundraising page via: www.gofundme.com/f/h4th5-help-support-lily.
The family would like to use their experience to raise awareness of sepsis and the signs to look out for. Go to www.sepsistrust.org for more information.
Lily’s family has asked the public to avoid contacting her directly so early on her recovery journey.
