Cork GAA star Jamie Wall, currently working on his recovery after a rare illness left him unable to use his legs, received a message of support yesterday from Premier League footballer Jack Wilshere.
Wall was a rising star in Cork GAA , playing for Cork in the 2013 All-Ireland U21 football final and also excelling at hurling.
His life was turned on its head last summer when a bacterial illness led to an abscess on his spine. He was operated on, but the compression on his spine left him unable to move his legs and confined to a wheelchair.
The indomitable young athlete has worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation since then, with the help of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
His inspiring story reached the ears of Arsenal midfielder Wilshere, who yesterday tweeted a message of encouragement to the young Corkman.
@friendsofJamieW @Jamwall7 Best wishes to Jamie in his fight to walk again. Never give up, Never Let Up
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) March 26, 2015
In true Irish style, Wall sent a light-hearted response back to the footballer, saying: “Does this mean I have to start supporting Arsenal?”.
Best of luck to you Jamie, showing the courage of a lion in the face of adversity.
H/T: joe.ie