Fundraising appeal for Athlone firefighter injured in Mount Temple blaze

The family and friends of an Athlone firefighter who suffered serious injuries while battling a house fire in Mount Temple last Thursday have today launched a GoFundMe appeal on his behalf.

Patrick Berry was one of the Athlone Fire and Rescue service members who responded to a call about a fire which caused extensive damage to the family home of Nigel and Lisa Grennan at Carn Park, Mount Temple.

The GoFundMe appeal stated that, while tackling the blaze, Patrick sustained "extremely serious and debilitating injuries" when "a gable end wall of the house collapsed on him, causing 11 vertebrae fractures, broken collarbone, broken scapula, several broken ribs as well as fractured tubular and fibula bones, and a broken ankle."

"In addition to these, Patrick also suffered swelling on the brain from the impact as well as serve lacerations to his neck and tongue."

The local firefighter and father of three is currently being treated at Tullamore Hospital.

His family and friends said he had already undergone one operation and would require more surgery in the coming weeks.

"The doctors have informed his family that Patrick's recovery will be a long and painful road which will be a battle in itself," the appeal stated.

"Patrick's home will need to be renovated to add a downstairs bedroom and bathroom in order to aid in his recovery, as well as adding any modifications necessary to make his home accessible to his needs. This will also include any modifications and changes to both the entrance and rear of the home.

"We, his friends and family, would like to take the financial burden away from Patrick, his partner Nicola, and their 3 beautiful children by raising much-needed funds to cover the financial costs of his medical bills, house renovations and any unsuspected bills arising from his recovery after this devastating accident."

The appeal has set a €50,000 fundraising target, and close to €2,000 was donated in the first hour after it went live today.

* You can support the GoFundMe appeal for Patrick Berry HERE.