Charlie

Charlie Fogarty’s life changed when, aged just 15, he sustained a serious head injury after being hit by a car.

A promising young footballer, Charlie had just finished a four-year contract at Birmingham City FC’s Academy. He was trialling for MK Dons when the accident happened as he alighted a bus on his way to meet a friend.

Charlie took the full impact on his head, resulting in a life-changing brain injury.

Following the accident in March 2012, Charlie was placed in an induced coma and spent 11 uncertain days in intensive care. He was then transferred to a neurosurgical ward where he remained for four months before completing a six-month rehabilitation programme at a specialist brain injury centre. Here, he learned to eat, drink, walk, talk and perform basic tasks again. He returned home in February 2013.

Determined never to give up, Charlie has switched his focus to inspiring others through public speaking where he captivates audiences with the powerful story of how he rebuilt his life.

In his speeches he talks about how he found strength and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity, and how he continues to prove that anything is possible with a positive mindset and a determined attitude.

Charlie says: “I want people to realise that, no matter what challenges you face, you can fulfil your dreams and ambitions.”

In 2018 Charlie was awarded with an MBE for setting up a football team for disabled players, and in 2019 he won a Pride of Birmingham award. He has been selected for the Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy football team and is a regular member of the Solihull Moors FC Community team.

You can follow Charlie’s continuing journey on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
https://twitter.com/ChazfogMBE
https://www.instagram.com/charliefogarty/
https://www.facebook.com/MotivationalCharlie/
 

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