Family of paralysed Mayo man set up fundraiser following spinal cord injury

A GO FUND ME appeal set up to help a Castlebar man who suffered spinal cord injuries to return home has raised over €90,000 in one week.

The fundraising page was set up last Friday to support 54-year-old Cliff Liverpool who is currently in the National Rehabilitation Centre fighting to regain some independence after five months away from his wife Laura and two children in Castlebar.

Cliff who worked for the HSE as a Psychiatric Nurse Manager for over 20 years sustained a life changing spinal cord injury resulting in him being paralysed. Cliff’s condition is very rare, never seen in his local hospital and only 16 times in over 40 years in the National Spinal Cord Unit in the Mater Hospital.

To date, Cliff has endured two long and gruelling surgeries along with several other smaller procedures. His wife, Laura, who is a native of Castlebar and set up the Go Fund Me page, said the last five months had been a nightmare and they want to bring Cliff home. The family has set a target of €200,000 and in just one week they have managed to raise €94,000.

“We have named this fundraiser ‘Cliff’s Journey’. Cliff is on a continuous path to recovery which requires vital equipment. The list includes mobility equipment, accommodation adaptations and ongoing medical procedures. It is all essential for Cliff’s day to day living. This funding will also give Cliff access to the most innovative medical treatments available. Unfortunately, this is not fully funded through the HSE or government grants,” Laura stated on the Go Fund Me page.

“He has worked for the HSE as a Psychiatric Nurse Manager for over 20 years, which he has always thoroughly enjoyed. His kindness and compassion towards his patients and colleagues have always been tremendous. Cliff’s passion has always been his family. Throughout this nightmare, his wife and children are by his side.

“Cliff’s friends and family will testify that this guy would cross an ocean to help you. He is one of those guys that whatever is asked of him, he would do it for anyone with all his heart. He has always been our sounding block, offering help, support, advice and has always offered a shoulder to cry on, without judgement. Nobody deserves this fate, but to happen to such a truly kind spirit is unspeakable.

“Cliff is hugely motivated to face life after this horrific injury with determination, his trademark dignity and positivity but needs help to achieve this. We are resolute in supporting him. This fundraiser will give Cliff the best possible opportunity to achieve his ‘sky high’ ambitions throughout these challenging times,” she added.

To support Cliff’s Journey visit the Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/cliffs-journey?cdn-cache=0