GoFundMe update for rally driver Nevin “Sticky” Torrens says he 'remains stable in ICU in the Royal Victoria Hospital’ but ‘nurses are amazed at the strength he has’
An update on the GoFundMe for Nevin ‘Sticky’ Torrens now says that he ‘remains stable in ICU in Royal Victoria Hospital’.
The update added yesterday from organiser, Debora Milazzo, adds that ‘friends who have visited have said he is talkative’ and ‘nurses are amazed at the strength he has for a man of his age’.
‘Many friends have each done their bit to help, securing his sheds, daily taking turns to feed his racing pigeons and other birds,’ adds the update.
It also adds that ‘a group of friends have all agreed to get together and clear the site of debris from the fire’.
The organiser further adds: ‘Thank you everyone who is donating and helping Sticky ❤️much appreciated, thank you’.
To date the GoFundMe set up for 76-year-old Nevin “Sticky” Torrens, who suffered severe burns from a house fire in Ballymoney on Thursday 12th February – has raised £6,974.
The appeal says that after the blaze took hold an air ambulance, four fire engines and multiple police units were dispatched to the Co Antrim property.
And that ‘Sticky attempted to re-enter the burning house to rescue his dog, suffering burns and prolonged smoke inhalation’.
‘He was airlifted to hospital and initially placed in an induced coma,’ said Debora Milazzo.
She also thanked Ballymoney and Causeway Coast Fire Brigade, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, the air ambulance crew, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
‘Firefighters later discovered his dog alive beneath what remained of a bed,’ said Debora Milazzo.
‘The dog survived and is being cared for while Sticky recovers.
‘The house has been completely destroyed, and he has lost his home and belongings’.
Deborah added that ‘Sticky is described as one of Ballymoney’s most recognisable and well-loved characters’.
She says: ‘He has won the Irish Open twice as a hot rod and rally racer and represented Northern Ireland in the UK, owned a hair salon, ran a music production company working with artists including Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson, Chrissie Hynde, The Cranberries, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, and Elvis Costello, and trained multiple greyhound racing champions.
‘He now keeps racing pigeons,’ the GoFundMe adds.
Funds raised will go towards securing accommodation, clothing and basic essentials after he ‘lost everything in the fire’, Debora added.