A MAJOR fundraising bid is under way to help Belfast boxer Stephen McMullan receive potentially life-changing stem cell treatment.
The 28-year-old suffered a stroke 24 hours after his final fight at the 2021 Ulster Elite Championships, leaving him fighting for his life as family and friends rallied around.
However, he has made significant progress, taking his first steps last year having been wheelchair-bound, while his speech continues to improve.
And, since he and fiancée Amy Fitzsimons welcomed baby boy Eden into the world four months ago, proud dad Stephen is determined to pursue any avenue to improve his quality of life further.
BioXcelleratar, based in Colombia, specialise in stem cell therapy for orthopedic and sports injuries, spine and disc conditions, autoimmune and degenerative diseases, and were recently used by MMA fighter Ryan Curtis.
The Dubliner was paralysed from the neck down and “close to death” after suffering a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine during a training session in January last year.
The damage was classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord, and Curtis underwent emergency surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He was left with no movement in his legs or his left arm, but has since made remarkable improvements on the road to recovery.
Part of that journey included a visit to Medellin, and McMullan says he has spoken to Curtis and consultants at BioXcelleratar about the treatment, which costs £35,000.
“Stephen has been on Zoom calls talking though everything, and seeing if he is a suitable candidate, as his case is different from your typical stroke,” says Amy.
“The neurologist has looked over Stephen’s case in Colombia and agreed it would help Stephen along; it won’t get him back to baseline, but they feel it would be really beneficial in his recovery, in terms of giving him more independence in life.
“It would give him a bit more mobility with his hands and legs, and also help with his speech. We know that, even if he does get the treatment, the impact won’t be seen overnight… there would be a long road ahead.
“But if there is anything out there that could potentially help, then he’s all for it. Stephen has his heart set on it.”
If you wish to donate to Stephen’s fundraising effort, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/towards-medical-bills-for-brain-stemcell-therapy
