The cup is coming home

The Cup is Coming Home Publisher Martin Moodie shows off the signed All Blacks Grand Slam jersey

7 December 2008 - It’s certain to be a highly valuable item of rugby memorabilia – and it’s going to a tremendous cause.

The Cup is Coming Home is delighted to reveal that the triumphant All Blacks Grand Slam squad of 2008 all signed a team jumper to help raise funds for the Stuart Mangan appeal.

As reported, Stuart, a promising young club player, was paralysed from the neck down by a rugby injury in a match in London on 5 April 2008.

Irishman Stuart is now 25 years of age. His injury is the most catastrophic rugby injury seen in recent years. Categorised as C1 Complete, he is completely paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator. Stuart will require 24-hour medical care for the rest of his life.

However, in coming to terms with his horrific injury, Stuart has shown incredible courage. He is determined to deal positively with his drastically altered circumstances and to live a meaningful and full life. He attended the recent All Blacks test against England and is looking forward to returning to his native Ireland.

But here’s the bottom line: Stuart’s care will cost millions and his future is in the hands of others. A fundraising campaign – the Stuart Mangan Appeal – has been launched and each contribution, no matter the size, will help enormously in ensuring Stuart enjoys the best possible quality of life.

The signed All Blacks Grand Slam jumper will be a key item in a planned major fund-raiser in 2009.

The Cup is Coming Home Publisher Martin Moodie noted: “This was a fantastic gesture by the All Blacks, who took time out from their hectic schedule to sign the jumper just before the England test. It’s a great example of how rugby crosses all borders to help those in need. We join Stuart and his family in thanking All Blacks Manager Darren Shand and the team for helping out in such a pragmatic way.”

Stuart Mangan has shown incredible courage since he suffered his devastating injury

Stuart was a talented sportsman with an exciting career ahead in banking

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For details on Stuart and his fund please visit www.StuartMangan.org

Each contribution, no matter the size, will help enormously in ensuring Stuart enjoys the best possible quality of life.

In this context, an Irish trust fund* has been established with the responsibility of managing Stuart’s needs in terms of housing, living, equipment and medical care.

If you would like to help or support the appeal in any way, please contact a member of Stuart’s family or Niamh Sheeran, Fundraising Coordinator, on the number or address below.

For financial contributions, you can transfer any donation via internet banking (please let the fund know if you use this method so that they can follow up with you) or by sending a cheque to the address below:

Bank Details:

A/C Name: Stuart Mangan Trust
A/C No: 17569101
Sort Code: 93-60-81
Address: AIB Bank, Pearse Square, Fermoy, Co. Cork

IBAN: IE63AIBK93608117569101
Swift Code: AIBKIE2D

FOR CHEQUES:

Stuart Mangan Trust
23 Avoca Avenue
Blackrock
Co. Dublin

CONTACT DETAILS:

Niamh Sheeran
Fundraising Co-ordinator
niamhsheeran@eircom.net

Tel: +353 87 2311384