Cork community rally behind ‘true warrior’ girl, 13, who lost both legs in farm accident as fundraiser launched

Thousands of donations have already been made

FARM HORROR Cork community rally behind ‘true warrior’ girl, 13, who lost both legs in farm accident as fundraiser launched

A WEST Cork community has rallied around a "beautiful" young girl who lost both her legs in a horror farm accident.

Feile O'Sullivan, from the Beara area of West Cork, was forced to have both her legs amputated after suffering severe lower abdomen injuries.

3 A GoFundMe was set up to raise money for Feile's medical needs

3 Feile was just days away from her 13 birthday when she lost her legs in a farm accident Credit: gofundme

The nightmare incident took place just days before the young girl was to turn 13.

She was left in a critical condition after being airlifted to Cork University Hospital.

Doctors spent days stabilising her and had to perform an emergency double leg amputation.

She is now in a Dublin hospital where doctors have said that she may not be able to return home for up to a year.

Feile will now require intensive care followed by intense rehabilitation while being forced to adjust to a new way of life.

Her family were left devastated at the news but friends and neighbours have been quick to rally behind them.

A GoFundMe was set up to raise funds which would help to cover all the necessary medical expenses.

It had an original goal of €250,000, and the number is quickly being reached.

The amount currently raised stands at €184,216, based on some 2,300 generous donations.

The GoFundMe reads: "Our beautiful Féile has been involved in a life-changing farm accident, leaving her in critical condition in hospital.

'WORLD WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN'

"In a moment, her world was turned upside down — she has suffered severe lower abdomen injuries and undergone a double leg amputation.

"Anyone lucky enough to know Féile will tell you how full of life, energy, fun, kindness and what a pure messer she is.

"She adores dogs and horses. Farming is in her blood, and she loves everything about nature, outdoors, staying active.

"She’s also a true sports star — whether football, soccer, gymnastics, or anything involving movement and fun, Féile is always giving it her all, with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes.

"This accident hasn’t changed who she is, but has just changed what she now needs.

'TRUE WARRIOR'

"Every donation — big or small — will go directly towards Féile’s care — medical treatment, specialist equipment, home adaptations, all support she’ll need now and in the years to come.

"Even a supportive message or sharing this page can mean the world.

"Féile is a true warrior. Let’s surround her with love and strength, so she gets through this incredibly impossible journey.

"Let’s show her just how many people are behind her, cheering her on every bit of the way."

And the local community have fallen in behind the family as they adjust to the new demands of Feile's life.

Local football club, Roscarbery Ladies FC, took to social media to spread the word.

Posting on Facebook, they said: "Our hearts are with Féile O’Sullivan, a brave young girl who recently underwent a double leg amputation following a farming accident at her home a few days before her 13th Birthday.

'INCREDIBLY STRONG GIRL'

"Féile’s courage, spirit, and resilience have deeply touched our community.

"As a club, we are asking our members, supporters, and wider GAA family to rally behind this incredible young girl and her family as they face the road ahead.

"Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference in helping Féile access the care, rehabilitation, and support she needs.

"Let’s come together and show what true community looks like."

Meanwhile Local Cllr Finbarr Harrington told CorkBeo that Feile's strength is what's keeping her going.

He said: "Féile is an incredibly strong girl, in every way. She might not have made it without that strength, and she has faced everything and is still fighting, she is just incredible.

"Féile is going to need her house altered for when she comes home, the family will need an adapted car, she will need support for the rest of her life and everybody here, the whole community, wants the family to know they will get that."

"Her whole life changed in a split second. But she will have the support of the people here for the rest of her life.

"That is what we are all working for together, now."

You can donate to the fund for Féile here.

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