Fundraiser underway to support Liam Brereton’s rehabilitation after life-changing accident

A fundraising campaign is helping Liam Brereton, an 18-year-old farmer from the village of Drom, Tipperary, access vital rehabilitation after a serious car accident left him with  life-changing injuries.

At the time of the crash, Liam was studying an agriculture course at Kildalton Agricultural College, pursuing his passion for farming.

READ MORE: Barefoot Across Europe - walker passes through Tipperary on record-breaking journey

The GoFundMe fundraiser has already raised over €58,880 of its €60,000 target to cover the costs of specialist care, mobility equipment, and intensive physiotherapy.

The accident caused a split aorta, a broken spine, a broken sternum, and multiple broken ribs, leaving Liam dependent on a wheelchair and requiring ongoing rehabilitation. 

Despite the severity of his injuries, he is committed to regaining as much independence as possible through intensive therapy at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

“He is very resilient,” said his mother, Patricia Brereton. “Anyone who has visited him would tell you it is a pleasure to be with him. Youngsters often come in to meet him, unsure what to say and leave having had great craic with Liam. When they ask what happened, he will tell them openly about what happened...Liam is just a happy young lad.”

Speaking to the Tipperary Star Patricia described her son’s passions: “He has been a member of Drom and Inch Hurling Club since under-6s. His two great loves are hurling and farming—they are the things he would always talk about. He still hopes to farm again one day.”

Speaking about her son’s rehab: “At the moment, Liam’s rehabilitation is all about trying to get him to live an independent life for himself—learning the basics like being able to dress himself, open doors, and get in and out of bed,” Patricia explained.

Patricia emphasised how crucial the funds are for Liam’s independence. “Reaching the goal would give him the space to live independently at home. We are modifying our house to meet his wheelchair accessibilty requirments. We want him to be able to have friends over, to move safely, and eventually drive again when the time comes.”

Patricia paid tribute to the emergency services and hospital staff who cared for her son. “The emergency services and first responders who attended the scene, the staff at Waterford University Hospital, the Mater Hospital, and the staff of the NRH have been so good to Liam. They saved his life and we are eternally grateful to them.”

She also thanked the fundraiser organisers and all those who have donated. “It’s been overwhelming for us to see how much support there has been—from people contacting us, texting us, and sending cards. Thank you to the organisers of the GoFundMe and to everyone who has donated.”

The community of Drom and surrounding areas continues to support Liam and his family. A tractor run in The Ragg  is scheduled for Sunday,  February 8, with proceeds going to Liam’s recovery fund.

Followed by a schedule of fundraising events, Walkathon 14th March and Night of music 16th May.

If you’d like to support the fundraiser, you can donate here: LINK

READ NEXT: A Tipperary drama group to stage 'Dancing at Lughnasa' at The Source in February