Former rugby player who suffered spinal cord injury to walk from New York to LA for charity

Olivia Kelleher

A former rugby player who was given a five per cent chance of walking again after he sustained a spinal cord injury is to walk from New York to LA to raise funds for Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII).

Fergus Farrell, who is a native of Galway, aims to raise €1 million for SII by walking a marathon and a half a day for 75 days.

Farrell suffered a devastating spinal injury in 2018 when an accident whilst lifting a heavy metal bench left him paralysed.

Doctors initially gave him a poor prognosis, offering a faint prospect of "some movement" but little hope of ever walking again. However, he defied the odds and eventually made it back on his feet.

Farrell will take on the extraordinary challenge of walking 4,500-kilometre’s across the United States this August.

This historic undertaking will see Fergus become the first person with a spinal cord injury ever to complete such a walk across America and the first Irishman to do so in over a century.

Over 75 consecutive days, Fergus will walk an average of a marathon and a half (approximately 63 kilometres) coast to coast from New York to LA.

Farrell says that his journey hasn’t been easy but every step he takes in the challenge is a testament to the incredible support he has received and the determination within us all to overcome adversity.

“This walk is about proving what's possible, not just for me, but for everyone living with a spinal cord injury. It’s about raising vital funds for Spinal Injuries Ireland and showing that a spinal injury doesn’t define a life; it can open new paths of possibility.

"I hope my walk inspires people to look beyond perceived limitations, just as I’ve learned to do since my injury.”

Fiona Bolger, chief executive of Spinal Injuries Ireland said that Fergus’s challenge is not just a physical feat but a story full of “hope and resilience".

“The funds raised through ‘Fergus Walks’ are crucial for Spinal Injuries Ireland to continue providing essential support services, education and advocacy for those affected by spinal cord injuries.

"We hope it will foster a deeper understanding of the incredible potential within our community. This campaign will shine a much-needed light on the realities of living with this injury. We are so proud to stand with Fergus as he prepares for his journey.”

Farrell represented Connacht at under 18, U19 and U20 level and was also capped for the Irish Youths at U18 level. He went on to play for the Connacht Juniors on multiple occasions and is perhaps best known throughout the province for his time representing both Monivea RFC and Galwegians RFC on the field.

Spinal Injuries Ireland is the only national organisation providing support, information and advocacy services to people with spinal cord injuries and their families.

The funds raised from ‘Fergus Walks’ will be vital in sustaining these critical services, which include peer support, counselling and assistance with navigating daily life post-injury.

For more information or to make a donation go to www.ferguswalks.ie.