Liam's road to recovery

The Story (so far...)

On the morning of Friday 18th August 2023, while cycling to work at Garston Fire Station, Liam was struck by a van and knocked off his bicycle.

Paramedics treated Liam on the roadside and there was immediate concern that he had no feeling in his legs. An air ambulance crew attended the scene and he was transported to St Mary's Hospital, London. The initial assessment established that Liam had broken 2 vertebrae and had suspected spinal cord injury. Following a 6 hour operation to pin the broken vertebrae and subsequent MRI and CT scans, it was determined that Liam has severed his spinal cord and faces life-changing and life-long injuries. Subsequently, Liam now faces a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally.

The Background

Liam, 25, has been a Fire Fighter with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue for 3 years, stationed at Garston Green Watch. His chaotic energy and youthful enthusiasm has cemented him as a key member of the watch, channelling this energy into making himself an extremely competent & reliable firefighter, whilst making many friends along the way.

Liam is also an active freelance carpenter. He lives with his mum, Elaine and dotes on his girlfriend, Molly. Liam has a wide friendship circle and likes nothing better than a cold pint with whoever will put up with his wild personality!

His strength and fitness is beyond most, regularly cycling more than 50 miles with his cycling club, Watford Velo's. Since Liam joined the Fire Service, he has completed the yearly 175-mile charity ride around every Hertfordshire Fire Station. He has also, most impressively, completed an Ironman - and now proudly sports a tattoo to forever prove this!

The Purpose

The purpose of this fundraiser will be to support Liam, Elaine and Molly in the challenging weeks and months ahead and for Liam, beyond this. The money we are raising will go towards physical rehab, psychological support, an adapted & accessible house as well as many more things along the way.

The upcoming journey that Liam will be taking will throw up both challenges and rewards, as he transitions from his active life as a Fire Fighter, Runner, Cyclist, Ironman to whatever the future now holds.

Liam's stubborn determination and supreme fitness will undoubtedly drive him to embrace the new opportunities that will open up to him.

We will update this page regularly along Liam's journey.

The Target

Our initial target of £10,000 was reached within 24hrs of the page being live. And our second target of £20,000 within 48hrs. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support.

We've set a new target of £50,000. Every penny will go to support Liam with whatever he needs, as he takes this long, hard road to recovery.