Campaign launched to support Michael Fatialofa
The RFU is supporting Restart’s campaign to help fundraise for Michael Fatialofa and his family.
The campaign will help fund immediate, future and unforeseen costs that professional rugby player Fatialofa and his family will be faced with following his life-changing spinal cord injury in January this year.
On Saturday 4 January 2020, within 60 seconds of coming onto the rugby pitch, Worcester Warriors’ Fatialofa sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury from a tackle gone wrong.
He was taken to an Intensive Care Unit in a London hospital, but was paralysed from the neck down. Michael’s condition still remains serious as his injuries leave him facing damaged function, feeling and control over his body.
However, he is making progress following successful surgery to contain the swelling and compression on his spinal cord.
The reality of spinal trauma is a future marked with uncertainty, but Michael is prepared for an outstretched road to recovery. He is a resilient, positive and strong person loved immensely by his wife, family, teammates and friends.
A go-getter by nature, he is determined to defy the many odds stacked against him by focusing his energy on rehabilitation.
- To help Michael during this time please donate HERE
Restart have launched this campaign to raise funds to support Michael and his family with donations helping to cover immediate necessities as well as future costs and unforeseen expenses.
Michael continues to be supported by numerous parties including: Worcester Warriors, the RFU Injured Players Foundation, The RPA, Restart, Pacific Rugby Players, Esportif, NZ Rugby Foundation and NZRPA but his recovery is ongoing and your support is greatly needed.
Restart, the official charity of the Rugby Players Association, will be managing Michael's JustGiving Campaign Page. All funds donated and raised for Michael will be to meet the needs of Michael and his family.
The Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation (IPF) also supports players who have sustained a potentially catastrophic injury while playing or training in England. The charity helps anyone playing at any age and every level of the game, from grassroots to elite players.
The IPF Welfare Officer has visited Michael’s family and has been able to help with some immediate issues, such as extending family visiting hours, but the main focus at this stage is the provision of medical care.
Other topics that the IPF typically address at this stage include visiting family’s accommodation, communication support to maintain contact with friends and loved ones, any dependents’ needs, maintaining the player’s existing housing provision and any concerns about medical care provision. Media support and advice regarding insurance and trust funds etc are also offered if required at this stage.
Fundraising from the wider rugby family for Michael is very welcome and wholeheartedly supported by the RFU.
Tatiana Fatialofa, Michael’s wife, commented: “As a family, we appreciate any help people are willing to give at this difficult time. It is very humbling and well outside of our comfort zone to reach out and ask for support in this way.
"We would love to thank everyone in advance, and feel so overwhelmed already by the generosity, prayers and kindness Michael and I have been shown. Together, we can all ensure he has the best chance of regaining independence and living a fulfilling life again."
