Ultra-fit man, 21, critically ill after having a stroke while doing push-ups
A FIT and healthy young man has been left paralysed and unable to speak after suffering a stroke while doing push-ups.
Samuel O'Sullivan - who had dreamed of becoming a police officer - was rushed to intensive care a week before his 21st birthday.
"During both operations we were informed we may lose him on the operating table."
Samuel was kept in the ICU for three weeks before he was able to breathe without a tube.
He is now being cared for on a neurology ward, where he is almost totally paralysed.
To communicate he has to squeeze a family member's hand to say "yes" or "no".
His family are desperately trying to raise £55,000 to help expenses including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Brenden wrote: "Sam has a knack of making people smile and is compassionate, has a great deal of empathy for others and is a most respectful young man.
"He had dreams like like everyone else of owning his own home.
"For a young man, [he] had his head screwed on and had a clear eye on his future.
"Sam is in the fight of his life and is an inspiration to all of us but needs help along his journey."