17.03.2022
Call For Donations To Support Good Causes And Help Others
An inspirational man who made a remarkable recovery after being hit by a car is marking the tenth anniversary of the incident by launching a major charity fundraising campaign.
Charlie Fogarty, from Shirley, Solihull, suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was hit by a car overtaking a bus, aged 15.
The aspiring footballer was in an induced coma for 11 days and spent four months in intensive care and a further six months in a specialist brain rehabilitation unit.
His injuries left Charlie needing to learn how to talk, walk, dress, and perform basic tasks again.
Serious injury lawyers secure settlement for Charlie
Charlie’s mum and dad, Sara and Mark, aged 55 and 59, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who secured a substantial settlement to fund the specialist rehabilitation, support and therapies Charlie requires.
Since then Charlie has defied the odds in his recovery, setting up a charitable foundation and receiving an MBE in 2018 for services to young people in Solihull.
Charlie launches fundraising campaign to mark anniversary of crash
Now aged 25, Charlie is marking ten years since the collision by launching a major fundraising campaign to raise money for The Birmingham Children’s Hospital, The Children’s Trust, which both helped care for him following the collisions, as well as his own Charlie Fogarty Foundation.
The campaign is being backed by law firm Irwin Mitchell, which continues to support the family. The company’s Court of Protection team continues to manage Charlie’s funds to ensure they will continue to fund the specialist support he requires.
Expert Opinion
“Over the last decade Charlie has continually defied the odds and continues to astound us with the recovery he has made from has truly terrible injuries.
“While he still faces challenges it has been amazing to watch his recovery and rehabilitation. Charlie is undoubtedly an inspiration and has gone on to achieve so much in such a short space of time.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this fundraising campaign as it will provide a boost to three incredibly important organisations. However, on top of that, donations will also ensure that other people get the support that they need to get the very best from life.
“Serious injuries and health problems can have a huge impact on individuals, but Charlie is proof that people can continue to flourish with the right care and support.” Joanna Grewer - Partner
Brain injury: Charlie Fogarty's story
Following the crash which happened in Birmingham on 17 March, 2012, Charlie was stabilised by crew from Midlands Air Ambulance, enabling him to be transferred by land ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
At the time he had just finished a four year stint at Birmingham City FC’s Academy and was on trial with Milton Keynes Dons.
Charlie, who is now a motivational speaker, is set to spread the word about his fundraising campaign on social media and it will be based around a Just Giving page. The latter will be kept open until the end of October and Charlie will publish posts marking the anniversary of various parts of his recovery.
Charlie is also arranging a special charity match in July to support the fundraising campaign. It will involve Charlie’s All Stars and a well-known opponent that is to be confirmed.
Campaign aims to help others in need
He said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since the incident. Back then I was just a normal kid dreaming of becoming a footballer but all that changed in a moment.
“Suddenly life as a teenager was anything but ordinary. There was a lot of anger and emotion at what has happened.
“Over the years there have been a lot of challenges and a lot of tears, both of despair but also joy. It hasn’t all been easy but I was determined to try and make the best recovery possible.
“It doesn’t seem like 10 years since the collision, it’s gone that quick. But as it started getting nearer me, my family and the foundation’s staff thought we should mark it in a positive way.
“Ever since the collision I’ve been so lucky to have amazing support, whether that be from emergency services, doctors, during my rehab or through managing my settlement.
“Because of that, I wanted to try and give something back – and fundraising seems the perfect way to do it.
“I’d be incredibly grateful if people are able to get involved in the campaign, spread the word and even donate if they can. My genuine hope is that we can work together and make a real difference to some people’s lives.”
How to donate
More information about Charlie’s campaign and how people can donate to the appeal can be found on Charlie's Just Giving fundraising page.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by brain injuries or road collisions at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.
