Waterford minor dual star who suffered spinal injury in car crash returns home for 18th birthday
May 08, 2021
Thumbs up from Mark Dalton.
Waterford minor dual star Mark Dalton has returned home to celebrate his 18th birthday with his family after spending four months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
Mark, along with his twin brother Tom, and three friends, were involved in a serious car crash in Youghal last December. He suffered major trauma to his spine and was in need of extensive rehabilitation.
His friends and school mates at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in Youghal set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a major extension and alterations required to meet Mark's needs at home. A whopping €317,969 has been raised since the fundraiser launched in January while Pobalscoil na Tríonóide organised a virtual 5k last month.
Mark’s home is now fully equipped with a new entrance, car port, open-plan kitchen and living space, new bedroom, accessible en-suite bathroom and gym.
“We have some wonderful news to share. Mark arrived home last week just in time to celebrate his 18th Birthday with his parents and brother Tom," the Dalton family posted an update on the GoFundMe page.
"Mark's recovery and rehabilitation in The National Rehabilitation Hospital has been exceptional. Mark has worked incredibly hard over the past four months to get home to his family and friends.
"His transition home has come with relative ease as his home is now fully equipped for his needs: new entrance with car port; open-plan kitchen & living space; new bedroom and accessible en-suite bathroom.
"The Dalton family are overwhelmed by the love and support shown for Mark since December 3rd 2020. The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming. The tireless work of the project management team and all the trades people involved in the renovation deserves gratitude beyond words. Mark is now ready to begin the rest of his journey.
"Thankfully his rehabilitation can continue at home in a new accessible gym, purpose built with additional raised funds from this Go Fund Me. We wish him the best of luck for the future and thank you all once again for the amazing response to this fundraiser. We will be closing the page on Sunday 9th May 2021. Thank you!"
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