Ben Galligan 'making progress' as family near fundraising target

Ben's father posts positive news from Australia and thanks people back home

THE FATHER of Ben Galligan, the young Cavan man who sustained life-altering injuries in an accident in Australia, has posted some positive news from his bedside.

Oliver Galligan travelled to Perth to be with his 25-year-old son after he was involved in a serious road collision in a remote area of western Australia on October 14.

Ben remains at the Royal Perth Hospital where they amputated his right arm and placed him in an induced coma while they treat the construction worker for a spinal injury and traumatic head injury.

Mr Galligan and other members of their family set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money to aid the “long and uncertain road to recovery” Ben faces, which, “will likely take many months and involve specialist rehabilitation, prosthetic fitting, and ongoing medical and emotional care”.

By today (Tuesday), the online fundraiser had raised €202,017 of the family’s €210,000 target.

Two weeks after Ben’s horror accident, his father Ollie posted on the fundraising page to update well-wishers and donors.

Oliver Galligan praised the “outstanding care” his son is receiving from the “incredible” team at the Royal Perth Hospital.

“We’re very glad to share that Ben is making progress slowly but surely” Mr Galligan wrote from Australia.

He told the many people in the communities of Crosserlough and Virginia waiting for news of Ben that the popular footballer is moving all his limbs and responding to some commands even while in a coma.

Oliver described as “encouraging signs” that Ben recognised people around him and even asked some questions when doctors removed his breathing tube for a short time.

“These are really encouraging signs, and his family and friends are feeling hopeful as he takes these small but important steps forward,” Mr Galligan wrote.

He added, however, that Ben was placed back under sedation to allow his body more time to rest and heal.

Oliver Galligan travelled to Perth with Ben’s sister, Joy, and their respective partners.

Asking people back home to “Please keep Ben in your thoughts as he continues to fight and heal,” the anxious but grateful dad thanked everyone for “the outpouring of support from Cavan, across Ireland and all over Australia.”