Fatialofa releases footage of his landmark first steps following spinal injury

Warriors’ lock Michael Fatialofa has taken his first steps as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious spinal injury.

Fatialofa spent four weeks in London’s St Mary’s Hospital – three of them in intensive care – after he suffered his injury in the Gallagher Premiership match at Saracens on January 4.

He has since been transferred to a specialist spinal clinic at the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylesbury where he is responding well to treatment and making encouraging progress.

Fatialofa has posted a video on his Instagram account showing him moving his toes and lifting his legs without support then taking some tentative steps, helped by medical staff at the hospital.

"Six weeks deep. Doctors didn't know me. Could be years of grinding ahead but determined to get out of this chair," Fatialofa wrote.

Every spectator who attends Warriors’ Gallagher Premiership match against Bath at Sixways on Saturday will be given a leaflet encouraging them to donate to the JustGiving page that has been set up to support Fatialofa and his wife Tatiana in their short, medium and long-term needs.

“The support of the rugby community across the world has been a great help to Michael and his wife, Tatiana over the past six weeks,” said Warriors’ Managing Director Peter Kelly.

“Michael’s courage and determination to recover from his injuries are inspirational but he still faces a long period of rehabilitation and an uncertain long-term prognosis.

“Every donation that is made through the JustGiving page will help to support Michael and Tatiana with their needs in the short, medium and long term.”

Saracens have pledged to donate £1,000 for every try they score in Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Sale Sharks at Allianz Park to Michael Fatialofa’s JustGiving page.

There will also be bucket collections around the ground and a book where supporters of both Saracens and Sale Sharks can write messages of support for Michael.

Donations to support Michael Fatialofa can be made at:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/michaelfatialofa