'I lost my leg in Dublin hit-and-run – only one thing is keeping me going now'
A teenager who lost his leg in a suspected hit-and-run says "only one thing" is keeping him going — after our readers helped raise almost €25,000 for him.Shaun Narloch, 18, gave an update after his GoFundMe crept ever closer to the significant milestone — revealing he faces another four months in hospital.This follows a devastating crash in Dublin on the night of April 6, when the driver of an SUV fled the scene without stopping. Shaun, a motorcyclist, was struck on Santry Avenue in Ballymun at around 10pm. He has no recollection of the incident, only waking from a coma to discover his left leg had been amputated.His mother, Aga Narloch, told us she feared her son had lost his life, and that there was "nothing worse" than first seeing him with only one leg.Speaking to us now, however, Shaun, who hails from Finglas, said: "Almost three months ago my life changed forever. Today when I look back, I can't believe what I have been through."When you are stuck in a hospital bed there are some ups and downs. You realise that you can't just get up, do things that used to be normal and simple and going to the toilet seems like a milestone."But then I close my eyes and pray and thank God over and over again that I have survived the worst."Shaun, who also suffered severe injuries to his right leg, is set to transfer to the National Rehabilitation Hospital shortly to continue his recovery. His right ankle was completely shattered in the horror collision, necessitating the insertion of orthopaedic plates — and he won't be permitted to bear weight on it until the cast comes off.Speaking to us about the incredible reaction to his fundraiser, which was established to help him lead a more independent life and to gather funds for a C-Leg 4 Microprocessor, he said: "I am aware that I will spend another four months in hospital but the only thing that keeps me going is that I will eventually be able to walk out on both feet and go home."This would never be possible without the generosity of response. So many people have been able to donate and share on the link with my story. My GoFundMe has reached almost €25k and the words 'thank you' feel inadequate to people's powerful support and kindness."I am literally blown away and I want everyone to know that you are all in my heart."The family has received an initial quote in the region of €50,000 for the prosthetic limb, and Shaun's mum, Aga, previously revealed how the ordeal began, recalling she was preparing for bed on the evening that changed everything.She anticipated her son's return home as his girlfriend, Layla, was due to stay that night. Layla messaged him at 9.45pm, to which he responded saying he'd be back within minutes. Yet an hour afterwards, Aga checked in with: "Shaun all good?"Moments later, Shaun's closest friend rang Aga's husband to break the news of a "horrific" crash. The distressed parents rushed to the Mater Hospital, with the mum saying she "didn't even know if Shaun was alive" before two garda officers came over to her.Shaun, who had been employed at a popcorn factory following his Leaving Cert, underwent surgery that evening before being transferred to ICU, where he remained in an induced coma for a fortnight. Throughout this period, his left leg was removed following kidney failure.Since regaining consciousness, Shaun has displayed extraordinary optimism, and was recently paid a visit by Chris McElligott, a former League of Ireland footballer who also had his leg amputated following a collision.Chris currently manages the Irish Amputee International team and said he was struck by Shaun's mindset.In relation to Shaun's collision, a garda statement said: "Gardai in Ballymun continue to investigate a serious hit-and-run road traffic collision that occurred on Santry Avenue, Ballymun, Dublin on the night of Monday 6th April, 2026."The driver has since been identified and interviewed and the vehicle recovered. Investigations are ongoing."An Garda Siochana would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance. No further information is available at this time."To make a donation to Shaun's GoFundMe page, you can do so here
