Community rallies for ‘true warrior’ following double leg amputation
Just days before her 13th birthday, sports and outdoors enthusiast Féile O'Sullivan from West Cork suffered severe lower abdomen injuries and had to undergo a double leg amputation.
Described as being “full of life” and having “farming in her blood”, Féile is currently in critical condition in hospital and faces many more surgeries as part of her long road to recovery. On top of the emotional toll faced by Féile and her family, they must now navigate the enormous costs of hospital stays, specialist care, physiotherapy, emotional support, mobility aids, prosthetic limbs, home adaptations, and much more. She will require intensive care for months, followed by intensive rehabilitation, and a complete adjustment to a new way of life.
As Féile’s community rallies around her, a GoFundMe page, ‘Stand for Féile’, has been set up to help with these costs. The page has already raised over €309k at the time of writing this article, with an overall target of 500k.
An organiser wrote: “Just before her 13th birthday, our amazing Féile was in a serious farm accident, changing her life in ways no child should ever have to face. She is currently hospitalised in critical condition, showing great strength and bravery. In a moment, her world was turned upside down – she has suffered severe lower abdomen injuries and undergone a double leg amputation.”
“Her entire family is heartbroken. So is her amazing community, determined to stay strong and support Féile. The emotional and financial toll is enormous. That’s why we’re reaching out — to ask you to support our incredible girl through her hardest times.
“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.
“Anyone lucky enough to know Féile will tell you how full of life, energy, fun, kindness and what a pure messer she is.
“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,” added the organiser.