Martin's StoryOn Saturday August 16th, while at a friend’s wedding in Westmeath, Martin Codyre 33, from Bray, Co. Wicklow fell and suffered a sudden and devastating spinal cord injury which has left him completely paralysed from the chest down. Prior to this tragic accident Martin was an active, sociable character who enjoyed rugby, skiing, mountain biking and had a huge passion for travelling. He attended Presentation College in his home town of Bray, Co. Wicklow before continuing his studies in University College Dublin, where he was awarded an Honours Degree in Engineering. Martin then set his sights on New York where he began a very successful career working for Goldman Sachs and then Merrill Lynch. An entrepreneur at heart, in 2008, Martin began taking steps to set up his own business in the USA and was looking forward to this new adventure. However Martin’s plan changed drastically last August - immediately following the accident he received emergency surgery to stabilise his neck. The 5th vertebrae had shattered into the spinal canal which had to be removed and replaced by a cage; his 6th and 7th vertebrae were also fractured and pinned. Martin spent the first ten days following his accident in intensive care in the Mater Hospital in Dublin on a life support machine, unable to breath for himself. Slowly over the course of a number of weeks, with the support of fantastic medical staff in the Mater along with family and friends, Martin learned how to use new muscles to allow him to breathe unaided. On the 24th of September, the very day Martin was due to return to New York, he was transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire for further treatment and rehabilitation where he still remains. Everyone who knows Martin can confirm that he is a very special person with a huge network of friends across the globe. Prior to his accident he enjoyed playing rugby for his local club in New York, the Village Lions and he loved skiing with friends or enjoying a day out mountain biking. While Martin’s spirits have remained high, unfortunately he has not recovered any movement or sensation below the level of his injury and he relies on carers for all his physical needs. On leaving the NRH, doctors have advised that Martin will require round the clock care for the rest of his life. Martin is showing outstanding courage and positivity in dealing with the monumental challenges ahead. Of course the reality is that on top of the physical and emotional challenges, Martin and his family are faced with the huge cost associated with his long term care to enable him to live as independent a life as possible. In response, The Martin Codyre Fund has been set up by family and friends to urgently raise these much needed funds. A new website has been launched www.themartincodyrefund.com to help raise awareness, receive donations and to support any fundraising community events and activities. We would really appreciate your support in helping to make this fundraising appeal a success and to ensure this young outgoing and positive young man need not have to concern himself with the financial strain on top of everything else. On the day of his accident, Martins life, and that of his family and friends was changed forever, but most importantly Martin is still alive and with us and his renowned kind nature and infectious sense of humour are ever present. If you are interested in supporting The Martin Codyre Fund by donating today or getting involved in our fundraising events we would be delighted to hear from you. You can visit the website www.themartincodyrefund.com or contact Brian Codyre directly on 087 6756119
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