A former City of Derry rugby player has been left 'devastated' after he was told that he would never play sport again after plummeting to the ground in a horror dirtbike crash.
Ben McGarvey, 20, who previously played for Ulster Rugby at underage level, is currently in Galway University Hospital undergoing treatment for his horrific injuries.
X-ray pics show that the Co Donegal man suffered compound fractures to his feet and ankles when he was thrown from the bike while taking part in a race at the Pin Tavern MX track in Letterkenny on May 8.
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Mr McGarvey, who is originally from Ramelton, has already undergone multiple surgeries for the fractures with one of his legs wrapped in a cast while the other is in an Ilizarov apparatus (metal cage).
Speaking to MyDerry, Ben's dad Mark McGarvey said his son was 'trying to look on the bright side' and was "realistic" about his situation.
He said: "He was transferred to Letterkenny Hospital first and he spent around eight days there before he was transferred again to Galway and we were so thankful that he was able to get a bed there because they were unable to do anything for him in Letterkenny.
"We were told that there was nothing that they would be able to do for him except a few procedures or amputate both of his legs where the injuries were."
Mark revealed that the 20-year-old has already gone through 'seven or eight surgeries' with the latest one taking place last week.
"He has a long road ahead of him," Mark said. "He is trying to remain upbeat and see things on the bright side but it's naturally going to be devastating for him.
"He knows the injuries that he's suffered and he knows what's realistic going forward and he's going to try and make the best of it. He's putting on a brave face but with that being said, he's in terrible pain all day every day and it's starting to get to him.
"Professor Stephen Kearns, who is one of Ireland's top Foot and Ankle Surgeons is now looking after Ben's case. He told us that if Ben was any older or he wasn't as fit as he was then he would've recommended that both legs be amputated.
"Both legs have suffered a lot of nerve damage done and some arteries have been crushed.
"He loved to play sport, playing for City of Derry, Ulster and Letterkenny at stages. He enjoyed his motocross and sadly that's what gave him these injuries.
"It was quite an unusual motocross accident as well," he continued. "He was coming up quite a big hill and he was going too fast and when he came off the bike he landed on his two feet at the bottom of the hill and that's what caused him to suffer the compound fractures."
A compound fracture is a rupture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. The accident has left Ben in a wheelchair for now, with a long road ahead of him if he is to ever regain the strength he had in his legs.
"Motocross and sport is out the window for him," Mark added. "Doctors have told us that he'll never be able to run again, he won't be able to walk very far and he won't be able to stand for very long. He is going to be very limited in what he is able to do going forward."
Mark and his wife Carole have also started preparing for Ben's return home to Ramelton in the near future. The family recently installed a wet room, while also adapting spaces to be wheelchair friendly.
Both parents work full-time and are also raising two other children, meaning they try to travel down to see Ben as much as they can in Galway.
The couple are unable to take time off their work due to house bills and uncertainty of what possible costs are facing them in regards to their son's care.
Meanwhile, Ben doesn't have a medical card or health insurance, meaning his mum and dad could potentially be left with a huge bill in the coming months.
Ben's mother Carole, who recently started a GoFundMe Page, has thanked those for their "generosity" to their cause so far. She said: "The generosity that people have shown us has been wonderful and we are forever grateful to you all for donations and emotional support.
"We still have no idea of the time he will spend in Galway as there are still too many unknowns, please continue to share this page and know that we as a family are so thankful to you all." If you would like to donate to Ben's GoFundMe page, you can do so HERE.
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