Irishman told he had 5% chance of walking again sets out on charity trek across US

An Irishman who was given a 5 per cent chance of walking again after a serious spinal injury has set out on a 4,500km charity trek across the United States. 

Fergus Farrell, in partnership with Spinal Injuries Ireland and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, took the first steps of ‘Fergus Walks’ on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Sunday.

Farrell has set a goal of raising €1 million for spinal injury care through the 75-day coast-to-coast journey from New York to California. 

He was cheered on by his family and supporters, while a number of good luck messages were read out, including one from President Catherine Connolly.

“Your charity walk is a remarkable undertaking that reflects exceptional determination, commitment and strength,” said President Connolly.

“By setting out on this journey, you are not only challenging yourself physically over an immense distance but also drawing public attention to spinal cord injury and to the ongoing needs of individuals and families who are affected by injuries of this kind.” 7

Since his 2018 injury, which left him with only a 5 per cent chance of ever walking again, he authored a memoir entitled Rebuilding a Man.

Farrell’s history of physical challenges includes walking across Ireland on the first anniversary of his accident, completing seven marathon distances on a rowing machine over seven consecutive days, attempting an Atlantic Ocean crossing, and running four ultra-marathons across Ireland.

He said: “I walk across America for a simple reason, because I can. There are so many people out there who because of illness, disease, age, physical or mental capabilities that can’t. But I can, and I want to, and I hope that the community can follow me on this journey every step of the way.”

Donations to Fergus Walks can be made through the campaign’s website.