Family of Newbridge athlete Andrew Walker who was struck by a car abroad say that he is showing 'an encouraging daily improvement' as they thank supporters

By Kim O'Leary

The family of a very talented Newbridge athlete who was seriously injured following a collision with a car in Gran Canaria earlier this month say that he is showing an 'encouraging daily improvement', with hopes that he may be moved to his home environment by the end of this week.

It is understood that Andrew was struck by a car in his adopted home of Santa Brigida in Gran Canaria on the morning of Saturday, 1 July 2018,  leaving him in a critical condition with multiple injuries and shattered bones while his lungs and spleen also suffered damage. Andrew's friends set up a up a gogetfunding page to help cover the cost of his medical bills and rehabilitation The gogetfunding page has been set up by Brendan Taaffe with the aim of raising €40,000 to cover Andrew's medical costs and rehabilitation.

Speaking to KildareNow about the latest on devoted family man Andrew's condition, his friend Mary Howe said: "I hope to meet up with some of his family in next few weeks and will know more then as to what next stage or plans are, we still pushing the gofund me and other fundraisers to try help out with medical costs."

Meanwhile, it is understood that Andrew's condition had started to improve last week as he continues to receive hospital treatment for his multiple injuries.

Brendan Taaffe, who set up the gogetfunding page, gave the latest update on Andrew's condition: "From the beginning of last week Andrew showed an encouraging daily improvement. The bruising on his heart and lungs has begun to recede and the spleen is recovering well from the surgeries to mend multiple lacerations. By the end of the week he had even managed to stand up with minimal assistance and had taken his first few steps in his hospital room. Although he was in a lot of pain, he was upbeat and positive in his mood and attitude."

However, last Friday it is understood that Andrew woke up in an abnormal amount of pain and was bloated and vomiting, where a scan revealed a twist in the upper intestine, and it was initially thought a further surgery would be required.

"The medical team put a tube into his stomach and withdrew 2 litres of stomach contents, which gave the kink a chance to naturally right itself. Having been bed-ridden the past three days, the tube came out on Monday 16 July and he is back to his positive self. Andrew's good friend, renowned sports therapist Paul Gallagher, went out to Gran Canaria for 5 days to help with his immediate mobility issues, to begin the task of assessing the extent of his injuries and to come up with a rehab plan and timetable," continues the statement.

Referring to his assessment of Andrew's injuries, sports therapist Paul Gallagher said: "The time spent with Andrew in Gran Canaria was important in assessing the situation and to also formulate a plan for Andrew to make the best recovery possible. At the risk of sounding cliched, anyone that knows the man, knows he will make a recovery that will amaze and inspire many."

Mr Gallagher said that it was "a relief to know the internal organs were healing and function was returning to normal," although the X Rays clearly revealed the extent of the injuries sustained by the skeletal system.

It is understood that Andrew's right side has been worst affected by the accident, and he has serious rib fractures from the 2nd rib to the 8th rib and his Acromioclavicular joint has a separation of 1.6cm.

Mr Gallagher said: "The injuries to the left side, in comparison to the right, are not as bad but still has rib fractures from the 4th rib to the 8th rib. We would all love to say the standard 6 week recovery for a rib fracture applies here but the medical team in Gran Canaria are talking months in this case. All of this is affecting his breathing mechanics, his posture and how he moves, but again, at this early stage of recovery it is to be expected."

He added:"There is no doubt Andrew has a long and difficult journey ahead, will encounter unexpected challenges along the way and will need a lot of treatment/therapy/rehab to get to where we all know he wants to go the World Masters baby, though I feel Toronto 2020 may be a little ambitious given the injuries. But hey, it is Andrew Walker so you never know!"

Pending the results of a few more tests and scans, the medical team feel confident that Andrew could be moved to his home environment towards the end of the week, where measures have been taken to ensure he will have the equipment and facilities he needs.

"We are all humbled by the response to this campaign and Maria has again asked me to reiterate her profound gratitude for the donations and comments. Andrew's medical team have been phenomenal throughout this ordeal and are hugely impressed with the rate of his progress. The hard work will begin in a few weeks when his ribs have begun to heal and the rehab can start in earnest. Thank you all so much, and for those who have been in contact with ideas for fundraising events, we'll be in touch soon," reads the statement.

For more information and to donate visit https://gogetfunding.com/andrew-walker-rehabilitation-fund/