'The Claw' and 'Gaillimh' join in song to raise funds for injured rugby player, Stuart
A young rugby player paralysed from the neck down has received the support of Munster legends Peter 'the Claw' Clohessy and Mick Galwey.
Stuart Mangan (24) sustained the injury while playing a rugby match in London in April 2008, leaving him unable to breathe without the aid of a ventilator.
Now, former rugby stars, 'Claw' and 'Gaillimh' have teamed up with comedian Jon Kenny for a special recording of Munster's theme song Stand Up and Fight.
EFFORTS
They hope to raise funds for Mr Mangan whose long-term medical costs could be as much as €7m.
Other fund-raising efforts have already got under way, with a group of Munster players including Denis Leamy and Peter Stringer recording songs such as The Fields of Athenry and Flower of Scotland. They were joined by the choir at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa in Cork.
As part of the money raising drive, the inaugural Stuart Mangan Cup kicked off in Donnybrook last month.
Mr Mangan, from Fermoy in Co Cork, was playing with Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby Club when the accident happened. His third vertebrae went over his fourth and he immediately lost all movement and breathing.
He was kept alive on the pitch by a team-mate who gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the arrival of the paramedics. He was immediately taken to intensive care at Charing Cross Hospital in London.
Stuart spent a number of days in a coma-like state as medics ascertained the full extent of his injuries and it was quickly confirmed that he suffered no brain damage.
CHAMPION
He is now cared for 24 hours a day at Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Unit within the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital.
Rugby legend Keith Wood said: "Meeting Stuart has inspired me to champion a night around tables -- a global fundraiser for the Stuart Mangan Appeal. The event will involve people from Sydney to Sligo, New York to Newcastle, Cape Town to Cork, hosting a meal with friends at home for Stuart on one special night across the world."
Cheques can be sent to the Stuart Mangan Trust, 23 Avoca Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Donations can also be made by contacting AIB Bank, Pearse Square, Fermoy, Co Cork.
comurphy@herald.ie
- Cormac Murphy
