Injured Kiwi rugby player Michael Fatialofa provided a bit of good news amid the coronavirus gloom, walking unaided, 11 weeks after suffering a serious neck injury.
NZ-born Fatialofa, who currently plays for Worcester Warriors, was shown walking in a video, posted by former Hurricanes teammate Loni Uhila on Instagram.
"Few weeks ago, I ask for your prayers for my brother @michaelfats and his wife @tatianafats, and to see him walking today brings tears to my eyes," Uhila wrote. "Love you my brother and keep grinding."
Fatialofa, 27, suffered the injury while playing against Saracens on January 4, less than a minute after coming onto the field in the second half. He has been in hospital since.
"He was literally paralysed from the neck down just 10 weeks ago and currently spinal cord injuries do not have a clinical cure," said wife Tatiana. "But my amazing husband is proof that God is never limited to human wisdom... so so so thankful."
Fatialofa had surgery for a spinal contusion, which causes compression on the spinal cord and can lead to paralysis.
His wife said her visits to the hospital would become more difficult, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Worcester were going to use their home match against Harlequins on April 11 as a fundraiser for Fatialofa, but that game will no longer go ahead, as the Premiership is suspended until April 14 at least.
Reuters
