Fist steps on long road to recovery

Brendan Friel back from his walk as he continues his recovery.

By Dionne Meehan

A RALLY enthusiast from Ramelton who was seriously injured in a motorbike accident one year ago is working towards getting back in the driver’s seat.

Brendan Friel was critically injured when his motorbike collided with a car on the main Ramelton to Letterkenny road last August.

And as the first anniversary of the horrific accident approaches, he has offered a heartfelt thanks to all those who have played a part in his recovery.

Brendan sustained 14 major fractures in the accident which occurred at Castleshanaghan, between the Silver Tassie Hotel and Aughnagaddy.

He also suffered major internal bleeding.

With fractures to both femurs, both fibulas, both tibias and to his pelvis, Brendan remained on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of Letterkenny University Hospital for nine days.

Receiving 18 pints of blood within the first few days due to the internal bleeding, he also underwent multiple long hour surgeries to stabilise his fractures.

Spending 15 days in total in ICU, Brendan was then transferred to Orthopaedics.

Between being an inpatient in the hospital and an inpatient in medical rehab, Brendan spent a total of eight months in hospital.

Now approaching one year since the accident, Brendan said he is happy to be out and about again.

“I would like to say how grateful I am to the first responders that attended my accident, the doctors, nurses and staff at Letterkenny University Hospital,” he said.

“I cannot thank them all enough.

“I’m working hard to get my mobility and strength back.

“I attend personal training sessions with Stephen Ferry at SF fitness, neuromuscular therapy with Pauric Kelly and I also attend physiotherapy.

“I still have a long road of recovery ahead of me but I am so grateful for my recovery so far as it was unknown for a while,” he said.

During Brendan’s time in hospital, numerous fundraisers were set up to aid his recovery.

Expressing his gratitude to everyone who played a part in getting him back on his feet, Brendan said he was blown away by everyone’s generosity.

“While lying in hospital I was hearing about all the people and businesses that donated money and organised fundraisers for my recovery.

“It just blew me away.

“I had people from my local town, fellow bikers and also a huge number of fellow rallying competitors pass on their well wishes and donations.

“I would just like to say how grateful I am to each and every one of you who donated anything towards my recovery or even just sent messages or talked to family members about how I was doing,” he said.

Extending a very special thank you to his family and friends, Brendan said he was greatful for their support with every aspect of his recovery.

“Especially my mum, dad, brothers, sister and girlfriend who never once left my side,” he said. With a number of end goals in sight, Brendan is looking to the future.

“My goals now for the future is to continue my healing process, get back to normality, get back to work and eventually get back rallying,” he said.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere