Support for Lily McGarry grows with 'wear orange' gathering in Liberation Square

Islanders are being encouraged to dress in orange and gather in Liberation Square to show support for Lily McGarry, a sports-loving Jersey student who recently became a quadruple amputee.

The family and friends of the 23 year old have organised a get together today (23 April) to raise awareness of limb loss.

Lily, a medical student at Cardiff University and a keen local runner, surfer and swimmer recently lost her limbs after falling seriously ill with meningococcal septicaemia in January.

An appeal to help pay for advanced prosthetics that will allow her to continue to pursue her interests has raised almost £300,000 in a matter of days.

READ: Jersey athlete, Lily McGarry, appeals for donations for prosthetic limbs

After suffering two cardiac arrests and fighting for her life at University Hospital Wales Lily spent two weeks in a coma, when an MRI revealed multiple brain, spleen and liver infarcts, leaving the long-term effects uncertain.

The infection caused severe blood flow issues, and as a result, Lily has undergone surgery to shorten all four limbs.

Last week, support for Lily's journey erupted after her family posted a fundraiser to fund prosthetic limbs, with one leg exceeding £100,000.

The appeal went viral, being shared thousands of times, including by Jersey's Chief Minister:

Lily has faced unimaginable challenges after a sudden illness. We need your help to support her recovery and independence. Please consider donating or sharing to make a difference. https://t.co/ii85Z2t34M pic.twitter.com/zXH64S2akj

— Dep. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) April 16, 2025

After exceeding their initial fundraising goal, and then a second target of £250,000, the total this morning stood at £294,906 from more than 6,300 donations.

Speaking to Channel 103, Lily’s mum, Joanne Gorrod said they were absolutely astounded by the response and people's generosity:

"The level of love and support has been overwhelming. As a family, we couldn't be more grateful.

"It just shows you when you have an island community, how strong that bond is."

Furthering the support for Lily, a social media post shared this week is encouraging islanders to wear orange and gather in Liberation Square at 1pm.

'Wear Orange Wednesday' is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference during April, which is limb loss awareness month.

The invitation reads: “Let’s show our support for Lily McGarry and her friends and family by coming together this Wednesday 23rd April at 1pm in Liberation Square for a group photo all wearing something orange.”

Any funds not directly used for Lily’s care will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts to enhance their quality of life and aid in lifelong rehabilitation.

Contributors to the appeal include Jersey Bulls:

Jersey Rugby Football Club raised £3,000 through ticket sales for their game against Chinnor RFC. 

Joanne said that Lily is so thankful for the support, and also wants to use the opportunity to ensure people don't overlook the signs of sepsis:

"Lily knows about it (the support) and is incredibly grateful, and the only thing she wanted to say, other than to say how overwhelmed she is with the love and support, is to use this opportunity to raise awareness for the signs of sepsis.

"Don't wait for a rash; if you do get those flu-like symptoms, do contact the hospital."

You can find out more about the symptoms of sepsis and Lily's GoFundMe page here.