We would like you to take a moment out of your day to watch the following humbling video.
When he was just 16-year-old, Ian O’Connell became paralysed from the neck down after falling off his bike at Killarney National Park. After hitting his bike against a log, Ian tumbled over the handlebars and fell.
"The minute I hit the ground, I just heard a crack in my neck and lost all feeling. I didn't know my body was there," he said.
After enduring such a horrific accident, Ian's bravery, strength and positivity is truly remarkable. He adds: "I said to myself 'Ian, there's not much you can do here. Crying isn't going to make me stand up and run around the place again.' I always say to myself if you can't stand up, stand out." Here is Ian’s message for our students and the wider ERSS community. Inspiring words, from a a truly remarkable young man. We really appreciate Ian taking time out to record this for us. #ERSSWellbeing2020