Galway sporting community rallies to aid footballer after amputation

Galway’s sporting community is rallying around a young footballer who is rebuilding his life after the devastating loss of his leg in a match.

Former League of Ireland player Alex Lee – from Lurgan Park in Galway city – broke his right leg in a tackle, while lining out with Mervue United in a Connacht Junior Cup tie in March.

But complications meant he had to undergo a number of surgeries in the weeks that followed – before he was told he would lose his leg six weeks later.

The 26 year old underwent a below knee amputation in April, and having left hospital in a wheelchair, Alex spent the next five weeks at home adapting to life as an amputee.

Over the last number of weeks he has been travelling to Cappagh Hospital in Dublin where he has been working with a prosthetist.

The young teacher now has the use of a training prosthetic with the aid of crutches, the first step in a process that will eventually see him get his own carbon fibre prosthesis.

And now his friends have come together to organise A Night For Alex, which takes place next month and will see every cent raised going towards the cost of a prosthetic and helping their friend rebuild his life.

The night takes place in the Clayton Hotel on Saturday, August 20, and will feature music, as well as a raffle, and a monster auction for items such as a framed Real Madrid shirt signed by both Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo; a signed Republic of Ireland jersey; as well as flights and hotel breaks.

For more information, check out the A Night For Alex Facebook page, or call (091) 771609.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.