Community To Come Together for Southampton Father Who Lost His Leg

At the end of July, Andrew J. Faggins Jr., a father-of-three who worked at the Southampton Elementary School for 10 years, was in a motorcycle accident that led to the amputation of his lower leg.

On Sunday, his friends will come together to raise money for the 33-year-old man who is learning to live life without his leg.

While Faggins could use the financial support of the community, the fundraiser is also meant to be a show of emotional support, according to Karen MacWhinnie, a friend who is organizing the benefit. "For people just to show their support is important," she said.

Faggins, known as JR, is recovering in his hometown of Cumberland, Va., where the accident took place. Though he declined to speak to Patch, MacWhinnie said Faggins was driving down a newly paved road when he skidded on gravel and fell into a ditch. As he tried to get the bike out, it fell on top of his legs, breaking his right femur and left ankle.

A life-threatening infection formed around his ankle and was quickly spreading, she said. His leg was amputated under the knee a few days after the accident.

"He's been in a wheelchair ever since then," she said. He is undergoing physical therapy to learn how to walk, again. He is being fitted for a prosthetic next month. "His life is at a standstill right now," she said.

His three sons have been able to visit him in Virginia since the accident. They are Sincere, 11, who is a student at the Southampton Intermediate School, Seven, 10, and Sanai, 8, who are students at Southampton Elementary School.

Faggins worked as a custodian at the elementary school until about two years ago. He was three weeks into a truck driving school course when the accident occurred.

MacWhinnie is planning to fly down to Virginia on Friday and drive back to Southampton with Faggins so he can attend the fundraiser on Sunday. "I'm just praying for a good turn out," she said.

The fundraiser takes place Sunday at 230 Elm in Southampton Village from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. DJ Aaron Napier has donated his time. There will be a Chinese auction and BBQ will be served.

Those who wish to make a donation can mail them to Andrew Faggins at 152 County Rd. 39A, Southampton, 11968.