Friends rally for Exeter University student after devastating injury

Gerard Murphy, who has just turned 22, suffered a horrific accident when diving into a lake in Sweden.

The Exeter University student was on his summer break in Sweden earlier in 2017 teaching students how to gain successful grades in their International Baccalaureate exams. He had scored so highly in his own IB exams that he qualified to give tuition.

Early in July, Gerard was taking a break from tutoring and had gone to a lake with friends to swim. He misjudged the depth of the water and dived in. His head hit the rocky bottom of the lake, and he broke his neck and fractured his spine, and was left lying face down in the water.

Gerard’s friends quickly pulled him out and he was rushed to a Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm hospital for emergency spinal surgery. It was immediately clear that would not be able to walk again, and that his injuries would be life-changing.

Within two weeks, the Geography & Arabic student was airlifted to the UK to the Lister Hospital, Stevenage, and later Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, which specialises in spinal injuries.

Yesterday, Gerard was moved from Addenbrooke’s to Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire to continue his rehabilitation for his C5 tetraplegia, which includes paralysis of his legs, wrists and hands.

Gerard’s best friend from school, Alex Jundi, decided to set up a JustGiving crowdfunding page to help him adjust to his injuries. The page has been shared over 800 times on Facebook, and raised £17,000 from friends and family within two days of launching.

Third year Warwick student Alex said: “The accident has naturally had a seismic effect on Gerard's life, as well as the lives of his friends and family. I set up the JustGiving page to help pay for all the things he will need in the future. This could be a wheelchair, adjustments to his accommodation, technology or anything else.”

He continued: “We don’t fully know what Gerard is going to need until he has spent a month at Stoke Mandeville, but he will definitely need lots of support, regular care and specially adapted equipment. He cannot use his arms or legs. So far, we have set him up with voice recognition on his iPad so he can watch TV in hospital.”

Speaking about the JustGiving appeal, Alex said: “Despite the horror of the accident, Gerard remains his positive, upbeat self, and is determined to make as much progress as possible.”

The 21-year-old student added: “He is the most amazing guy. He has the ability to capture a room with his jokes – he is extremely intelligent and so positive. When Gerard left the Lister hospital the nurses cried, which is testament to how well-liked and warm he is.”

He continued: “Gerard has a lust for life. He loves sports, Liverpool FC, and ultimate Frisbee. He still has one year remaining of his degree – which he intends to finish when the time is right.”

Speaking of his friend’s determination, Alex said: “Gerard is incredibly grateful to those who have donated to the JustGiving page. It has given him the motivation to put in the hard work required during rehab.”

Gerard was a Deputy Head Boy at the state run Hockerill Anglo-European College, a boarding school. Alex, who was his roommate at school explained that: “Gerard’s parents were teachers in Saudi Arabia before moving back to Welwyn Garden City, and immediately flew out to see him when they learned of his accident. They are visiting him every day in hospital.”

Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One donor wrote: “Happy Birthday Gerard - your positivity and drive is an inspiration to us all.” Another wrote: “We are all backing Gerard in the process of his treatment and recovery - it will be a long journey, but we're optimistic.” Another well-wisher said: “Your sense of humour is infectious and am sure will carry you through.”

At the time of writing the JustGiving page had reached £16,972 of its £50,000 target, with donations coming from 307 supporters.

To support the appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/we-love-gerard-murphy