Video: Ian Coughlan talks Horrific Spinal Injury, Paralysis, Mental Struggles, Rehab & Treatment, GoFundMe

In July 2021, Ian Coughlan (a professional Irish MMA fighter) was training in preparation for a fight when he suffered a horrific accident in training, leaving him paralyzed.

He spent 3 months in Galway University Hospital and has subsequently been transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, where he continues his rehabilitation through various forms of therapy.

Unfortunately Ian’s worst fears came true when the doctor’s told him that he may never walk again, and that he will be reliant on carers to assist him with daily tasks.

His therapists are currently working with him to prepare him for a life in a wheelchair, but Ian is not giving up without a fight.

Ian and his family have found hospitals in Germany that specialize in spinal cord injury patients like Ian. They have reviewed his case and are determined that he is a very suitable candidate for combined Stem Cell and HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) treatments.

With this new fundraising campaign, we are hoping to cover Ian’s Stem Cell and HAL treatments, which will cost €73,000 in total.

The doctors are confident that they will have Ian walking again, but at a bare minimum, the treatment will enable him to regain some independence.

Ian is a fighter at heart, he is driven, he is ambitious and he has a fire in his soul that is burning stronger than ever before. He has an abundance of life to live, he has a lot to give and he needs us to help him in this most important fight of his life.

PLEASE share the below GoFundMe link, and donate as much or as little as you can. Let’s get Ian walking again!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-get-ian-walking-again

Below is Ian’s interview, in which he discusses the accident, injury, aftermath, struggles, rehab and next steps towards gaining greater independence in his life again. Please like and share the interview to raise awareness around Ian’s story. Thank you!