Help Conna's Big Vinnie Get Back On Track

The Injury

Hi everyone. As many of you already know, on the night of Sunday 7th July, 2024, Vinnie’s life has been forever changed. He has spent the past 8 months in hospital after sustaining a C4 Cervical Spinal Cord injury. It took a while to establish what exactly his long term prognosis would be. Vinnie is now a wheelchair user and continues to fight daily to try and regain as much mobility back as possible.

We were told that the likelihood of him ever moving from the neck down again was very low. What we have witnessed over the past number of months is someone who refused to give up, give in, and the progress that he has made to even get this far is somewhat of a miracle.

Life Before The Injury

Many of you know Vinnie for his kind hearted nature and his ability to cook a great burger! He is well known, and well liked within his community of East Cork and beyond. Days off for him would have usually consisted of a road trip to a greenway for a cycle, followed by a pint in the local. He has been driving since it was legal to drive and has travelled the length and breath of Ireland and beyond. It was his time, self care, and space to be able to step back and just take a break.

Life Now

Life over the past 8 months for Vinnie has consisted of learning basic tasks again, such as learning to eat, use his voice and hold a cup of coffee. Things that many take for granted have all been huge hurdles within his journey. Every milestone, regardless of how big or small were met with months of intense rehabilitation. He has not been home since July, and still has a way to go before he gets to see the inside of his local again.

Car/Van/Mobility Aids

We are hoping to raise enough funds so that once again, Vinnie can get back to some sort of independence. He will need an automatic car/van that is large enough to carry his wheelchair, as well as other aids that he will require for the rest of his life. Having this will enable him to find his way within his new ‘normal.’

In the event that we raise above the target, we will use the monies left over to go directly towards the cost of ongoing physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a therapy that Vinnie will be engaging in indefinitely, so that he can maintain the movement and mobility that has been recovered.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, and for your support. It will mean the world to him!