Berkeley survivor Jack Halpin raises a thumbs up

A picture has been released showing Berkeley balcony collapse victim Jack Halpin recovering in hospital.

The UCD student suffered serious injuries including a broken leg and a broken hip in last month's balcony collapse in California. A photo posted on the Judes for Jack fundraising page on Thursday shows the popular GAA player smiling to the camera and gesturing with his thumb up.

The 21-year-old’s recovery will involve a number of surgeries before the long rehabilitation process can begin in earnest. The photo posted online shows strapping on Mr Halpin’s right leg along with heavy bracing on his left leg.

In a statement on the site, his family reiterated their thanks for all the support from members of the public in recent weeks.

“When his doctors have done all they can for him, a very long and complicated course of rehabilitation begins, involving, among other things, complex and intensive physiotherapy. There will also, unavoidably, have to be modifications to Jack’s home,” it read.

“Members and friends of Saint Judes GAA Club have already spontaneously begun showing the traditional GAA spirit of fellow-feeling and good will when one of our own suffers such a dreadful experience.

“Jack faces a very tough ordeal in the months ahead. With the support of his family and friends, his club and its parish and beyond, let us do all we can to help make his progress back to full health as timely and successful as it can be.”

Movie screening

A special screening of the Disney/Pixar film Inside Out will be held in Omniplex Rathmines next Wednesday as part of the fundraising campaign.

Mr Halpin, who is from Rathmines, received praise from family members of fellow injured student Clodagh Cogley after it emerged that he helped cushion her fall from the fourth floor balcony, an act which her brother Darragh said had potentially saved her life.

Images have recently emerged showing Ms Cogley (21) in a rehabilitation centre in San Francisco. The Trinity student previously posted a message on social media revealing the full extent of her injuries.

“The thing I’m taking from this tragedy is that life is short and I intend to honour those who died by living the happiest and most fulfilling life possible,” she said, adding that her chances of using her legs again remain “pretty bleak”.

There was more good news yesterday as fellow victim Aoife Beary awoke from the coma she had entered following the collapse, which left six students dead and another seven injured.

Of the seven, five remain in hospitals and rehabilitation centres in California while two- Sean Fahey and Conor Flynn- have since been discharged.