Family of boy seriously injured in e-bike crash appeal for help

Sarah Slater

A 13-year-old boy who was seriously injured in an e-bike crash last month remains on life support as his family appeals for financial help.

Thomas Crean Keogh has faced three major surgeries since being in Portlaoise on June 20th, as his parents remain by his bedside in CUH Temple Street Hospital.

Thomas also has three brothers at home, and his parents are struggling to meet the bills.

Orla Keogh, Thomas’ aunt, has set up a gofundme page in an effort to support the family.

In her online post, Keogh explained that the teenager is an “outgoing little boy who loves to sing, dance and mess about just like every other 13-year-old kid, but unfortunately he can no longer do any of the things he loved to do”.

She continued: “Thomas was in an accident, and this has changed his life forever, also all of his family’s life.”

His aunt detailed that he had surgery to his skull and stomach “(He) has been in hospital since the accident and is still on life support.

Some days are good and some days are extremely bad,” she explained.

“Thomas’ Mam and Dad have not left his side since the incident, they are staying in Temple Street Hospital where they pay €140 per week, and also have three little boys at home that they need to look after, as well as run their home paying all their bills, food shop etc.
Times like this we all need each other and a helping hand.

"He has been in hospital for three full weeks now without talking or walking (and) is going to have a really long road to recovery.

“Thomas will be kept in hospital for at least three to six months (during) his recovery.”

The gofundme page is Help towards Thomas and his family for donations.