Former commercial diver David Digan (39), from Moate, Co Westmeath, was lucky to survive the crash in May 2019 as he travelled to visit his parents. He had to abandon his career.
Mr Digan spent three months in the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly, and another three in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
He has no recollection of the crash, and the first thing he remembers is waking from an induced coma after two weeks.
The father of one suffered several serious injuries, including paralysis in his left arm, which was later amputated below the elbow.
David Digan says he has “high hopes” for the medical trial
Mr Digan’s neck was broken, several bones in his shoulder were shattered and he also sustained a brain injury. He now lives with chronic pain.
He has undergone several surgeries in Ireland, some of which have been unsuccessful.
His consultant in Dublin’s Mater Hospital has now recommended him for a trial in Austria that may result in his receiving a life-changing robotic arm.
Six years ago, my life changed forever. Despite countless setbacks, I’ve never stopped hoping for a better future
“Now I have hope. I’ve been selected for a trial in Vienna, where surgeons plan to perform an osseointegration surgery on my forearm to secure a prosthetic by bone-anchoring it,” Mr Digan said.
“The next step will be to connect this robotic prosthetic to the remaining nerves and muscles in my arm and shoulder, a pioneering attempt to restore function where none seemed possible.”
Mr Digan will travel to Austria to begin the series five or more operations, beginning early in the new year.
He has set up a GoFundMe to help with the costs, saying: “While the surgery itself is funded as part of the trial, I need help to cover the travel and accommodation costs required for these treatments. These funds will allow me to stay in Vienna for consultations, surgeries and recovery sessions.
“This isn’t just about a prosthetic, it’s about reclaiming independence, regaining a sense of normality and rebuilding my life.”
Mr Digan said he appreciated the generosity of all of those who have donated so far, and he has “high hopes” for the trial and a new quality of life.
“Since the accident, I’ve faced numerous challenges. Losing my career as a commercial diver, struggling to rebuild my relationships and navigating life with a significant disability,” he said.
Mr Digan said the loss of his career has been particularly challenging. He was a diver for 12 years in Denmark, France and Germany, as well as in Ireland, on offshore projects.
“Six years ago, my life changed forever. Despite countless setbacks, I’ve never stopped hoping for a better future,” he added.
See www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-rebuild-my-life-after-a-life-altering-accident