Solihull Moors` Charlie Fogarty - An Inspiration To All

Charlie fought back from life threatening injuries after a road accident almost killed him in 2012 and left him with severe brain damage.

After being hit by a car whilst crossing a road in Solihull he was rushed to the Trauma Unit at Birmingham Children’s’ Hospital where his life was saved.

When his neuro surgeon first looked at his papers she said: “Flippin heck, you defy science – you should be dead.”

At the time he was a member of the Birmingham City youth academy and had already represented Northern Ireland at various age groups.

Coming from a football mad family courtesy of dad Mark, he seemed to have everything for which he could wish – that all changed on the day of the accident which left Charlie in a coma for four months as he battled for life.

He survived but was helpless and had to learn again to walk, talk, dress and eat.

He was transferred to The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, Surrey for six months rehabilitation. Mum, Sarah, did not leave his side for ten months and Mark gave up his job at Coventry City to help care.

With determination which continues to amaze the medical professionals who have treated him, Charlie started on the long uphill road to recovery. He has never bemoaned his situation and is the first to make others laugh to put them at ease

Charlie has gone on to make the most from his recovery.

He has won the Sports Solihull Disabled Sportsman of the Year award, the “High Sheriff County award for Inspiring Others” having been nominated by the Lord Mayor of Solihull and has represented Northern Ireland in the Cerebral Palsy World Cup

Charlie is the player-manager of the Moors Open Age Disability team which he set up aged just 18, but it is the motivational lectures that have made him a celebrity as he has passed on so many positives from his personal experiences - always delivered with humour!

He has given his “Anything is Possible” talk to over 1000 people already this year and that includes some fifty football league clubs including his “other” team, Manchester United.

Academy and under-21 players cannot help but be inspired by his courage and humour.

This honour which has now been bestowed on Charlie will not change him one jot – he will continue to inspire everyone who has the pleasure of meeting him.

He hopes his MBE will help him achieve his long-term aim of inspiring "millions of people to be the best they can be".

If you get the chance to attend one of the lectures – take it – it will change your outlook on life for ever.

From all your friends at Solihull Moors – Well done!

(Photo: Tom King)