The parents of Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of a horrific knife attack in North Belfast, have shared an update on his condition, revealing he is out of an induced coma but may lose sight in both eyes.
Attack and Aftermath
Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed on Kinnaird Avenue on June 8, an incident that triggered two nights of unrest across parts of Northern Ireland. He suffered severe injuries, including the loss of at least one eye. A 30-year-old Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day, and possession of a knife.
Family Update
In a statement on the GoFundMe page, which has raised over £31,000 for Ogilvie, his parents said: "We are relieved to share that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead. With the loss of sight in his left eye and the possibility of losing sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life."
Previous Attack
Ogilvie, 44, was previously the victim of a harrowing attack in 2001 when he was drugged and set on fire by an Ulster gang leader in West Lothian, Scotland. David McLeave, then 21, administered GBH, stripped Ogilvie, doused him with aftershave, and set him ablaze. The attack was filmed. McLeave was sentenced to 14 years in 2003. Ogilvie also survived a kidnapping by McLeave's associates.
Ogilvie remains in hospital in a serious condition. The family has expressed gratitude for the public's support and urged continued sharing of the fundraiser.
