THE brother of a Ramelton man critically hurt in a crash says the support that has poured in has been “overwhelming”.
Brendan Friel suffered catastrophic injuries when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car between Letterkenny and Ramelton on July 28.
The 25-year-old was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital’s intensive care unit. He has since left ICU but continues to receive treatment on the orthopedic ward.
Brendan’s brother Dermot set up a Go Fund Me page on Thursday to help cover the cost of what will be a long road to recovery involving medical bills, rehabilitation and after-hospital care.
In just over a week the fundraiser has attracted €14,000 in donations.
“We can’t get over the amount of support,” said Dermot.
“I think it was a case that a lot of people didn’t realise it was him until I put the page and photo up. The number of people getting in contact, it hasn’t really sunk in.”
Well known in motoring circles for his blue Nissan Micra, Brendan worked for five years in body panelling with McGinley Motors. He had only recently taken up a new job with DPD before disaster struck.
Revealing the extent of the injuries his brother suffered in the horrific crash, Dermot said, “He more or less broke every bone in his body bar his spine and head. As the doctor put it, it was easier to list what he hadn’t broken than what he had. But thank God there were no spinal or brain injuries.”
Brendan receiving his prize for the soapbox derby in Ramelton from rally star Garry Jennings. Garry has been in touch since the crash.
Among those who have reached out to show their support has been rally legend Garry Jennings. He phoned the Ramelton man in hospital, a call Dermot says lifted his spirits greatly.
“The support from everyone has been unreal and we appreciate everyone’s help. The number of phone calls and messages, we just can’t believe it.
“And any funds raised that are left over will be donated to the first responders who helped at the scene of the accident. They aren’t funded but they were on the scene so quickly. Literally if it hadn’t been for them, Brendan wouldn’t be here today.”
The Go Fund Me page remains open. To make a donation click here www.gofundme.com.
Meanwhile Donegal Car Club is organising a road run with all donations going to the Friel family. It takes place on September 25, setting from Letterkenny’s Applegreen service station at noon.
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