Podge's Road to Recovery fundraising events: Aug 2nd AND Aug 18th (all details of both below)

On August 2nd at 6am a group of Peak Fitness members and members from the wider community will take on a relay from Malin point in Co Donegal to Mizen point in Co Cork.

All donations will go towards the rehab and recovery costs for local man, gym member and our friend; Patrick (Podge) Fortune.

GAA, gym and sport are a huge part of Podge's life. Podge was an Ironman at 24 years old. He is now 29, a gentle giant, the first to help anyone in need and the life and soul of every group and team he is part of !

On March 19th Podge was involved in an almost fatal road traffic accident as a pedestrian. Podge’s injuries were so extensive that it shocked doctors and top surgeons that he survived. He was placed on life support in a medically induced coma and remained so for 17 days, during that time he underwent two major surgeries to repair some of the damage. Podge shattered his pelvis, crushed his spine in two places, had a fractured neck and skull, 22 of his 24 ribs were broken along with his breast bone, 2 collarbones and shoulder blades. The damage to his internal organs was extensive; his two lungs collapsed, his spinal cord was bruised and his heart was damaged.

Once Podge was awake he again shocked everyone with his daily progress, his strength, determination and fight. He spent weeks putting in hard work learning how to do many things again such as eat, drink, stand, sit and walk and is now at home recovering. Podge has a severe brachial plexus injury (the nerve system that controls shoulder and arm function) which means he has almost no use of his left arm but hopes are that with extensive rehab and physio he may regain some function.

The rising costs of physio, rehab and the need for adaptive equipment to help him regain his independence are made all the more difficult by the fact Podge is self employed and not in a position to work while he recovers.

We have no doubt that with continued rehab and physio Podge will be stronger than ever!

On Sunday August 18th Podges family, friends and the wider community will also take on a virtual Malin to Mizen at the Tara Rocks Gaa Club followed by an auction and fun filled day at the Bunker Bar in The Rock Gorey.

You can sign up to be part of the virtual Malin to Mizen by clicking the link below

www.podgesroad.com