FRIENDS AND FAMILY of a man seriously injured in a hit-and-run in north Dublin earlier this month have been thanking the local community for their help as he continues his recovery.
26-year-old Jones Justino, who is from Brazil, was cycling home from his job as a kitchen porter in Howth in the early hours of Saturday 9 July when he was knocked down by a car in nearby Baldoyle.
The black Volvo S40 did not stop at the scene and was later found in Castlemoyne Estate, Balgriffin, a five-minute drive away, according to gardaí, who have issued a number of appeals for information on the crash.
The identity of the driver has still not been established.
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Injuries
Jones was treated for leg and spine injuries at Beaumont Hospital in the wake of the crash, and may need further back surgery in the coming months.
His leg injuries were so bad doctors initially thought they may have to amputate the limb. He had to endure skin grafts to his back and leg, which was broken – and plastic surgery was performed to repair an injury to his ear. He had to spend around 12 hours in surgery altogether.
Jones left the hospital a few days ago and is now continuing his long road to recovery at home.
Planning to return home
Along with his wife, Priscila, Jones moved to Ireland at the start of the year. The couple have been taking an English course.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Priscila said they spent three years saving before travelling here. They had planned to renew their visas to remain in Ireland before the accident, but are now planning to go back to Brazil as they can’t afford to continue living here without Jones’ kitchen porter wages.
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Support
The couple’s friend Darragh Price started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Jones. In a message posted on the fundraising site, he said:
As Jones recovers from his serious injuries, it might seem that we cannot do a lot to help him with his recovery, but we can help him make his rehabilitation period less stressful for him, his wife Priscila who is by his bedside and his family back home in Brazil who cannot be with him right now.
So far over €1,000 has been raised. The money will be used to pay rent for the couple for the next few months (Jones has been advised by doctors to stay in the country for at least another three months so they can monitor his recovery).
Bruno Ribeiro, who lives with the couple, said he was delighted at the amount of support for Jones.
“The Brazilian community has been amazing,” he said, noting that more than €400 was raised after he posted the couple’s story on Facebook.
Priscila also said the Brazilian community and friends in Dublin had rallied around them, and that the gardaí and the hospital had been extremely helpful.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or who can assist with the investigation is asked to contact Howth Garda Station on 01 6664900, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Donations can be made here.
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