Lockie Kirk to return home after three years

Businesses and individuals on the Island have helped build 'BallaLockie'

After nearly three years receiving treatment at Aintree and then at a rehabilitation facility in Liverpool, a Manx man returns home. 

Lockie Kirk, who had to be airlifted due to severe head injuries following an incident in January 2022, is due to return to the Isle of Man this evening - on the Liverpool flight.

'INCIDENT'

Loughlin, who is fondly referred to as Lockie, was 17-years-old when the incident happened near Peel. 

In order to help his parents Dan and Lauren stay by his bedside, a fundraising campaign was set up. 

The money has enabled his father Dan to take 18 months off work to support Lockie from the UK, whilst his mother has travelled at weekends.

In total Lauren estimates she’s travelled around 17,000 miles by sea and air with her husband covering 40,000 miles in his car and van.

Donations have also paid for accommodation, food, trips out and equipment to make the teenager’s life easier.

After months in hospital, the then-teenager was moved to Derby House Neurological Rehabilitation Service in Liverpool where he has been undergoing rehabilitation.

Today close family friend and the project manager of BallaLockie Jonathan Kneen confirmed the now 20-year-old is excited to return:

'BALLALOCKIE'

The idea for 'BallaLockie' came about when the Kirk family realised they needed to extend the family home for Lockie's return.

In January this year, the family was granted planning permission to extend their home so that Lockie could maintain as much independence as possible.

Through a DIY SOS project, they've managed to engage the services of other businesses and individuals around the Island to help with the project.