Martina Cox, wife of Liverpool fan Seán, has issued a positive update on her husband’s condition eight months on from a life-changing attack outside Anfield.
Cox suffered serious injuries after being confronted by rival fans before the Champions League clash with Roma back in April, and has remained in care since.
The father of three from Dunboyne, Ireland spent five weeks in a coma at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, before being transferred to the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and currently the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire.
His 12-week treatment period at the NRH will conclude at the end of the year, after which his rehabilitation will be privately funded.
And in a statement released on Friday, Martina Cox revealed that they had now passed the €1.1 million mark, thanking those who have donated and held fundraisers and providing an insight into his “encouraging” condition:
“As we reach the end of 2018, I would like to extend a huge expression of gratitude to everyone who supported Seán and I, and our children Jack, Shauna and Emma, since Seán’s attack in April of this year.
“We spent a lot of time over Christmas with Seán in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, where he is continuing to make progress.
“He no longer has a feeding tube so is starting to eat and drink again with the help of the wonderful nursing staff. Seán has some more words and is trying very hard to sing along to familiar songs; these are encouraging and proud steps for us all.
“Our family used the time with Seán over Christmas to try and relay to him the public goodwill and support there has been for him over the eight months since his attack.
“We have shown him social media posts, press clippings and videos from fundraising events across Ireland, England and further afield, the GoFundMe page and the SupportSean.com website, letters and signed jerseys all in aid of Sean and his recovery.
“This time last year we were an ordinary family looking forward to another New Year and what that would bring.
“Seán or I never dreamt that twelve months on, there would be websites or media interviews or fundraising events all brought about by what happened after Seán was attacked in Liverpool on 24 April.
“While it has been an exceptionally difficult time, what has helped me and the kids get through it has been the overwhelming goodwill of Seán’s family, friends, supporters and the general public.
“The Support Seán campaign has witnessed huge generosity and has raised €1.1 million to date. People whom we have never met have been there for us in so many, many ways, alongside our family, friends and local community. While we have a battle ahead again in 2019, our burden is lightened by this love and support for Seán.
“Thank you for everything you have done for Seán, our family and me during 2018.
“To the communities of Dunboyne, Dublin, Ireland, Liverpool and many other places across the world; to people who took part in events for Seán, organised fundraisers or donated online; to the child who sent five euro of their pocket money in an envelope to our house; we owe you a debt of gratitude.
“Thank you and Happy New Year.”
All at This Is Anfield would like to wish Seán and Martina, their children Jack, Shauna and Emma, and their extended family all the best in the New Year.
You’ll Never Walk Alone.
To make a donation to support Seán or to share the GoFundMe page, click here.