Latest news with #MakeittoMunich
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Dumfries screening for film about Scotland fan who cycled 800 miles to Euro 2024
Make It To Munich tells the story of promising footballer Ethan Walker who made the epic journey just months after suffering life-threatening injuries. A film about a Scotland fan who cycled 800 miles to Euro 2024 in Germany is to get a special screening in Dumfries. Make It To Munich tells the story of promising footballer Ethan Walker who suffered life-threatening injuries – including multiple fractures and two brain haemorrhages – after a road traffic accident while on a football scholarship in America. With the help of pioneering surgeon professor Gordon Mackay, he decided to cycle from Hampden for Scotland's opening match against Germany in Euro 2204, which was just after his accident. And Scotland captain Andy Robertson gave him the match pennant to carry on his back and deliver in time for the big game. He was joined on the 800-mile journey by Gordon, Scotland fan Stephen Collie and the film's director Martyn Robertson. Make It To Munich will be shown at the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries on Thursday at 7.30pm. As well as watching the documentary, people will also be able to hear from Gordon, Martyn Robertson and former Gretna player Kenny Deuchar, who is a qualified doctor. Martyn said: 'Make it to Munich is a film that will attract cinema goers, Scottish football fans and cyclists in equal measure – it's a celebration of all things Scottish and follows the journey of an inspirational young person. "I'm delighted to be travelling with the film and our special guests to meet audiences around Scotland. "Come along and watch the film and take part in a unique conversation between the cast, myself and a local sporting legend.'
Press and Journal
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Ethan Walker: Goals have changed for injured Ellon footballer
An Ellon teen who suffered severe injuries while on a football scholarship in the USA has spoken about how his life has changed. Ethan Walker was walking back to his accommodation in New York in 2023 when he was involved in a car crash. The talented footballer suffered two brain injuries, a fractured skull, a lacerated lung and fractures of his pelvis, left hand, shoulder and right tibia. There were also facial lacerations, nerve damage and ligament damage to his right knee. As part of his recovery, his surgeon came up with the suggestion – which initially felt somewhat outlandish – that he cycle to Munich for Scotland's opening game at Euro 2024. That became a reality and the story of Ethan's journey has since been showcased in the documentary Make it to Munich. Almost a year on from the journey, Ethan is still adjusting to some of the changes forced upon him by the accident. For the now 19-year-old, one of the biggest things he has had to come to terms with is that he won't be able to play football anymore. That has forced him to shift his goals – and he is now putting all of his enthusiasm and effort into studying sports coaching and working as a lifeguard. 'When I went over to America, I wanted to pursue football to the highest level that I could,' he told The Press and Journal. 'In all honesty, I knew there was a chance after the first surgery that football may not be realistic for me. 'Now I want to focus on coaching and be as successful as possible in the game that I love.' Before the accident, he had been thoroughly enjoying both studying and getting the chance to play with some top-quality players. One way that Ethan has managed to fill the void left by not being able to play is by coaching. He has also returned to Longside FC, the team he played for before making the move stateside. Ethan is not allowed to be tackled or head the ball, but can still take a minor role in training. 'The training games are still manageable for me,' he said. 'I just drop in to central midfield and play passes from there. 'Even now I can still hit an amazing free kick and ping balls about! 'I suppose I'm a bit of a dead ball specialist, which is changed days from my time as a central defender. 'I'm loving coaching and it's been a successful first season for me, as we won promotion.' Ethan is also making the right moves in his education He is currently studying sports coaching at Nescol. 'Ultimately, I want to end up with a degree in coaching,' he said. 'I want to take this as far as I can. 'Whether that's getting to the highest level I can in football, or maybe PE teaching, I'm always looking to push myself.' Despite the severity of his injuries, the teenager's life has returned to normality. He's back working, studying and working out in the gym. Ethan is full of praise for his family and loved ones, who have been 'a massive help throughout all of this'. He lives in Auchangatt with his mum Jaclyn, dad Paul, and sister Sienna. He said: 'I'm not sure I would be in the same position just now without them 'They've been really good to me. 'Thankfully everything has largely stayed the same. 'I'm working, studying, and in the gym. 'My goals may have shifted but I still feel as motivated as ever.' It was quite a journey that took Ethan and his team to the Allianz Arena in Munich. The teenager was joined by director Martyn Robertson, his surgeon Gordon Mackay, and Tartan Army member Stephen Collier. Make it to Munich will be showcased at several premieres in the north of Scotland. And some Scottish sporting greats will be in attendance at the events. Dates and special guests include: Ethan is looking forward to the events. 'I'm an Aberdeen fan, so it'll be really cool to see Andy Considine,' he said. 'But I can't wait to share the stage with them all. 'The Ellon one will be massive, as I'll have all my friends and family there.' Ethan added: 'I knew the documentary would be good. 'But I didn't realise it would be quite as good as this. 'It's really interesting to experience the filming of everything and then seeing the final product. 'I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Despite Scotland losing 5-1 on the day, Ethan had a great time in Munich. He said: 'Obviously the football wasn't a great result, but the response from the fans to me at Marienplatz and the general atmosphere on the day was unbelievable.' Make it to Munich will be shown at select cinemas around Scotland and England.
STV News
27-04-2025
- Sport
- STV News
'I cycled to the Euros after surviving horror car crash in the US'
A talented footballer who won a scholarship at an American university has reflected on his 'remarkable' recovery from a near-fatal car accident, which left him with life-changing injuries. Ethan Walker, 19, was just months into his course when tragedy struck in September 2023. The student was walking back to his accommodation at Genesee Community College in New York State when he was hit by a car travelling at 60 miles per hour. He suffered several catastrophic injuries, including three brain bleeds, a lacerated lung, fractures in his pelvis, left hand, skull, shoulder and the tibia on his right leg. He also suffered nerve damage and dysphagia, which left him unable to swallow. He spent weeks in intensive care and was not expected to survive. STV News Ethan Walker has been training hard on his road to recovery But he made an 'amazing' recovery thanks to the help of world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon Professor Gordon Mackay, who had once played for Rangers. Ethan told STV News: 'Everything changed as soon as I met Gordon. He changed my life.' Professor Mackay, who leads a sports injuries clinic, was instrumental in Ethan's recovery and the pair quickly bonded over their love of football. He used an advanced internal bracing system to help the ligaments in Ethan's knee – and admitted he was stunned by his patient's progress. Professor Mackay added: 'He was a million miles ahead at each milestone smiling back saying, 'I can do that.' It's unusual for a surgeon to be amazed. 'He is the most remarkable young man. He's been positive since the word go. He's accepted the fact he had horrendous injuries and he's been determined to make the most of his situation.' STV News Ethan was in intensive care for six weeks following the crash Ethan added: 'He was surprised by how fast I progressed after the surgery. I liked to prove him wrong – I still do!' Two months after the operation, Professor Mackay asked Ethan to cycle with him to the Euros in Germany in 2024 to support Scotland. Ethan said: 'I thought he was joking…then a month later he asked again; 'Ethan, do you have an answer?' 'I was starting to cycle more and get more function in my knee. So I thought, 'I could do this.'' Just nine months after the accident, the football-mad pair set off on a 700-mile cycle from Hampden Park to Munich for Scotland's opening match at the Euros last June – with the added responsibility of delivering their team's match pendant. The challenge has now been made into a documentary, 'Make it to Munich', which premiered at this year's Glasgow Film Festival. 'I had the responsibility of carrying the match pendant – the biggest honour of my whole life,' Ethan said. STV News Ethan with Professor Gordon Mackay 'We met a few of the players: John McGinn at Hampden, then I gave the pendant to Andy Robertson when we arrived. 'I loved the journey. We got to see all the sights in Europe. 'It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – such an amazing experience.' Professor Mackay said Ethan was a great companion on the 'epic' journey. 'Ethan had set his sights on this. He didn't complain once,' he said. 'While we were complaining about sore backs, ache and pains, he was just thriving on the experience. 'That's what shines through here; he's an example of what's possible to so many who have suffered a disability, injury and setback. You can tell by his cheeky grin that he's determined and focused.' Ethan's career path has taken a different turn due to the accident; he is now studying sports coaching at college and works as a lifeguard at Sports Aberdeen. STV News Ethan was an up-and-coming footballer who earned a scholarship in the US 'I imagined still playing football, but I don't mind it,' he added. 'When I was given a definitive no, I went around it, and I'm still involved in the game that I love.' Ethan hopes his story will inspire other people who have suffered life-changing injuries. 'I hope everyone takes a bit of courage and positivity from it and turns their recovery into something positive. 'Yes, things might change, but you still need to have a go.' Professorr Mackay added: 'I think it was Scotland's biggest achievement at the Euros – Ethan's story is being recognised for that.' Make It To Munich is to be shown at a special screening at Glasgow Film Theatre on May 16. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
