My Progress

McAyla.com

MY PROGRESS

Here you can check on my progress, yes it tells you what they are doing to me and how I am doing. PLEASE read the MEDICAL page to understand MORE about what I am going through and why.

07/9/2008 Glasgow Coma Scale

3 - 4

18/9/2008 Glasgow Coma Scale

7 - 8

29/9/2008 Glasgow Coma Scale

11 - 12

19/10/2008 Glasgow Coma Scale

14 - 15

26/10/2008 Glasgow Coma Scale

15

Glasgow Coma Scale details

Birmingham Childrens Hospital

20th August 2010

Well it looks like I will be having some small surgical procedures to try and correct my walking. It appears that my leg is around 1cm or so shorter than the other. It is looking like I will have to have Botox in my leg to try and free up the muscels. i will be going to sleep for that. We may also need to reconstruct the knee or leg muscles at a later stage. Well we shall see.

The great news is that TREMCO-ILLBRUCK and NULLIFIRE have sponsored me towards my athletics, this means I can now get my OWN equipment and proper clothing and start to really practice and achieve my potential. THANK YOU.

6th July 2010

Well we have attended the DSE National Athletics Championships in Blackpool and our McAyla has come back as a champion. The pride is overwhelming and we are so proud of her. McAyla took part in three field events:

Discus
Shot Putt
Javalin

The results are as follows:
Discus F35 Catagory 10.71m - Bronze Medal
Shot Putt F35 Catagory 4.93m - Bronze Medal
Javalin F35 Catagory 8.15m - Gold Medal
all in the U16 age group. We must thank Dave and Rob of Regency High School for showing us that children of all abilities can achieve everything they want. McAyla competed as part of the Regional team of the West Midlands. WE ARE SO VERY VERY PROUD of her.

17th MAY 2010

Hi all, well what a time we have had.

McAyla is a strong young woman now of 13 and has that never say can’t attitude. As such she had entered the West Midlands Regional Disability Athletics Championships which took place in Birmingham on the 15^th May 2010 at the Alexandra stadium. McAyla excelled in the three events she took part in: Javelin Shot Putt Discus

McAyla had to achieve a certain standard to be able to go the DSE National Junior Athletics Championships in Blackpool on 3rd – 4th July 2010. I am a proud to announce that she achieved the qualifying standard to attend these championships in which McAyla also won a gold medal on the day. All this with very limited training and support.

With this type of determination who knows what to expect.

6th APRIL 2010

Well my birthday is tommoro and it just seems so long ago that my life altered forever, actualy my whole families life altered forever. I am doing well and am still doing Hydrotherapy, it helps alot and i like doing it. I got a bike for my birthday so will be riding around on it, it is good excersize.

Dad does not update the site as much now as my progress is slow, yet I am still making progress. School is tough and I hope it gets better in the next few months. I am always saying I am so bored, yet I do get to go to the Perdiswell Young Peoples Club, where they cater for a few disabled children and we have some great days out comming up. That should be fun.

Thank you all for your messages of support over the last year and a half and I will try to continue to improve.....

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY

24th January 2010

Well here we are in 2010, and what a year it has been. McAyla is doing very well. Coping with school, though a meeting will be necessary to get the best out of the school for her.........STILL.

Her Hydrotherapy is going from strength to strength. Her mental capacity is maybe not improving at a rate of knots, but there is improvement all round. It is the little things that please her and the same little things that drive her up the wall. Still she is pedantic about things and in some cases that is good. We take every day as it comes and live for what we have. We are still getting emails from all over the world.
We are very happy that people find information on here helpfull and we hope that everyone who goes through this site can relate to how McAyla is doing, if they too have been struck by such tragic events. Is McAyla lucky, yes, however HARD WORK have taken her to where she is today. Every child is different, given the chance they WILL fight hard to be the best they can be.

And on a slightly funnier note, McAyla wants to know WHEN IS SUMMER COMMING ?..........................lol

15th December 2009

Received and email today from a lady in the USA:

Hi McAyla,

I am so happy to have found you. You have given me the courage I will need tomorrow when I go to visit my 14 year old nephew. He was hit by a pick-up truck on Saturday. He has several skull fractures and all the bones in his face are fractured or broken. The swelling has increased today and I thought the worst. After reading the information on your site I am able to have hope for him to not only survive but thrive. YOU DID! And I am so happy that your family got you back! I wish you the greatest life God can offer you. Go out and see the world.
I will be driving 3 hours to get to the Medical Center in Danville PA.tomorrow. I 'm not scarred anymore.
Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Lynda

We all hope and pray that this story too works out great, one just has to imagine how many children all over the world, together with thier families are suffering today. This time of the year we can only take the time to hug our children a little more closely............................

WE ALL WISH YOU and YOURS a very MERRY Christmas and a safe 2010.

10th December 2009

WOW and WOW again, I received an award, the Children of Courage Awrd at Westminster Abbey yesterday. it was presented by Peter Andre. I was one of 10 Children who received an Award it was a fantastic fun filled event with loads of celebs attending. You can see some photos on The Children Of Courage Page and I will be adding more when I get them.

Thank you VERY MUCH to the Womans Own Magizine staff who looked after us so well of the 3 days and to all the clelebs who turned up and signed my autograph book. And a big thank you to all the other children who were so friendly.

Me receiving my award from peter Andre at Westminster Abbey

7th December 2009

Well we will be off to London tommoro so that McAyla will receive her award at Westminster Abbey on Wednessday. A Sheer Courage award, wow. I was with her today at Hydro Therapy and she has come such along way that it is increddible and the people who have made all this possible belong to the NHS and thier support agencies, it is with please that i say "In the NHS i trust !". The Hydro Therapy provides a valuable experirence that tones and helps with cordination and messages to her body from the brain.

McAyla is "Well" exited about the trip and just sees it as another day, she will cope with it all and just get on with it, that is who she is and actually who she has always been. She struggles but does not complain just carries on. As her dad I can say that I am proud with all my children for the courage they have shown over the past 16 months and I would give them all a medal for the courage they have shown.

We will enjoy the day and will post as many photo,s as we can on here when we get back. We understand that Peter Andre will be handing out the medals, McAyla thinks he is "Well Nice"...............lol.

25th November 2009

Well it has been a great two days, being nominated for an award, being in the local paper and being able to travel down to london with the family. It is so exiting to be part of somthing so big. I have read the stories of the other children and there are some incredible people in there. I had parents evening at school last night and I am doing really well in Maths,English and Science we will keep working at it and try to get better all the time. My Hydro-therapy is going well too, learning to swim forwards and backwards. It is strange that the cold effects me more than others and I always feel cold all the time.

The Soldiers Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi who are all fully committed serving soldier have enjoyed chart success with their debut album Coming Home have now been confirmed for Westminster Abbey and The Woman’s Own Children of Courage Awards on December 9th.

24th November 2009

WOW and WOW again, what can be said. McAyla has won a national recognition award. The 2009 Womans Own Children of Courage Award for Sheer Courage. I was nominated by Di Briggs and will now be going to London on 8/9/10th December to meet with the Prime Minister and to receive an award at Westminster Abbey with nine other children from throught the country. It goes to show that determination will get you to the top.

WE ALL would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported McAyla over the past 14 months, without YOU ALL today would not be possible. She is a very determined little woman and we ARE so very very proud of her. (Mom, Dad and Sisters)

12th NOVEMBER 2009

So this time last year I went to watch the Xmas Lights being put on, I needed to use my chair as I was not fully all there. Tonight I am going again to watch the lights get switched on........................and I do not need my chair..................WOW I have come along so much.

If you see me about DO COME AND SAY HELLO...............................

23rd October 2009

So here we are over a year gone. Still having mobility problems yet i tried to RUN in the park the other day and well........................fell over LOL. At least I tried, mom says my arm waves all over the place and when I watched it back on the video I never laughed so much.

I had an email from a lady trying to change the way we do things and I would like you all to go to the Kids Cross Safely page and sign the petition.

"My name is Rosanne Kirk and I am a Governor at St Hughs RC School in Lincoln and I am also a Mum to three boys.

I have started a campaign at www.kidscrosssafely.org.uk and on Twitter @kidscrossafely and Facebook kidscrossafely

We have petitions on the website as we want to change the law.

I found your website on the net and noticed your campaigns.I wondered if you would like to become involved in our campaign and lets see if we can get Crossings near all schools,on school routes and make it safer for kids.

I'm trying to gather as much support as I can and the campaign is growing.

All the best

Rosanne."

I know you will all support this as you did with my campaign, it is well worth it.

My schooling is going OK and I will be doing some swimming again to help with my mobility, got to try and keep getting strong. I need to show the neurosurgeon when I see him on December 18th that I can and will.

7th September 2009
So on the 7th Spetember 2008 this was the scene:

A GIRL was airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries after she was involved in a serious collision with a car in Worcester this afternoon. The incident happened on London Road at the junction with Foxwell Street, near to Tesco Express, about 2.30pm yesterday.

The road was closed to traffic for about two-and-a-half hours and reopened just before 5pm while police investigated and a force helicopter circled above taking photographs of the scene. West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, and the County Air Ambulance to the incident.

A spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews found a pedestrian and a car that had been in a collision.“The pedestrian, a girl believed to be 11-years-old suffered serious head injuries and was treated at the scene. "She was airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency treatment. “The hospital had been pre-alerted to the girl’s arrival and serious condition.” A police spokeswoman said no arrests had been made and denied reports the helicopter was looking for somebody who had run away from the scene.

“We were just lucky we had the resources in the area so we decided to utilised them,” she said.

So we have gone from what we were told at the time as being a life critical condition, with severe head trauma, a glasgow coma scale of 3-4 on admitance to hospital where McAyla looked far away from everyone and needed all the help she could get to live for each hour she was in ICU, yes she was being kept alive 1 year ago today and kept alive for nearly 9 days in ICU while they tried to get her little body to work on its own. This has left permanent scars on her life and so many other peoples lives:

Today is MY BIRTHDAY and we went down to the crossing and USED IT TOGETHER, a day I NEVER thought i would EVER see again 1 year ago today. And the words come back from October last year:

I have never in my life been so afraid of anything. I have seen nearly everthing possible in todays world, yet seeing my McAyla lying there that day was overwhelming. I can only start to say how much I have cried inside for her, wondering why such a bright young life should be snuffed out. I wondered about her growing up not being the same and not being able to enjoy all those things she should have. I need to show my McAyla that I am there for her, to show her I will be there for her and to give her what she wants and needs. Do I cry at night, NO. Do I worry about her at night,YES. I worry that she will not enjoy life as she should have, as she would have wanted too. I do know she is getting better and that she will be what she will be. I have accepted that ................ YET I HURT inside for ALL the life McAyla was going to have. I hope people will understand when I say I LOVE MY McAYLA like a PRINCESS, every DAD would say that I suppose and I would not blame them for thinking such no matter how OLD they are. Though she looks fine I KNOW she has lost somthing forever !, thus the reason the song playing ................ the emotions of this song IS WHAT I FEEL everyday deep in my heart, down where it hurts so bad...........Today I cried inside, I cried for the happiness that McAyla has brought to so many.........the smile that could break a thousand hearts.........she still has that smile yet I know that behind that smile is a child gone forever I am going to have to learn my new PRINCESS all over again and hope that somone somwhere CONTINUE to shine down on her, so that just mabe,just mabe she WILL return home to me...........................I still have McAyla,my wife and Cortni and Ashley and must now live a life changed forever............together.

DAD

Today the 7th September 2009 is a day to never forget, and it makes the pain of last year GO AWAY, life is better and will continue to get better.

Dad.

3rd SEPTEMBER 2009

So the crossing will be active from today........GREAT NEWS and a battle well worth fighting. THANK YOU all who supported this campaign and lets PLEASE USE THE CROSSING.

School starts next week, part time for me for the first week then I will be trying full time. Lets hope they have the energy to keep up with me.......LOL. I do hope that they have somone to help me as it is going to be VERY TOUGH at first, but will give it a go.

12th AUGUST 2009

Well very bored being off for the holidays. I have tried riding a bike for the first time, and I CAN DO IT.......................YOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO.

I am feeling better and it almost a year soon, I hope the crossing is done by then. Can you beleive it has almost been a year, I can't.

21st JUNE 2009

Well it looks like work is starting on the CROSSING, this work will take a few weeks, up to 6 weeks, and I would ask everyone to PLEASE BE PATIENT during the road works. The wait may wel mean that a life is saved later on. I hope to use the crossing when it is finnished and hope as many of you as possible will join me for the crossing.

I must thank everyone who has worked hard to get this crossing done. It is an important area to have a crossing and I URGE EVRYONE to USE THE CROSSING.................you dont want to end up spending 8 days in ICU or having your family and friends go through what we have been through.

USE THE CROSSING..........PLEASE

me in the SEA.........LINDOS.....LOL

17th JUNE 2009

So here I am, updating the site. I have just spent 2 weeks in Rhodes on our family holiday. Dad and Mum really needed the break. It was so very nice to spend some great time with them all. We did so much and so little....LOL. We swam in the pool and even went to TURKEY for the day. I spent a lot of time just relaxing by the pool. We visited a super little bay called LINDOS where we swam in the see, it was so clear the water that you could see the fishes by your feet.

I did feel the heat and in Turkey it was 35C in the shade, I did struggle with the heat there. I walked about with my ONE CRUTCH, I did get tired so we walked slow. I had help at the airports to get on the plane as the steps were very steep. I am now not so pasty white and have a little bit of a tan, my sister is very tanned though.

I hope to make some good progress next year at school and hope that they can get me some full time help with school work, but for now I am just hoping we can all go on holiday again............

Me waiting for sunset ...........

23rd MAY 2009

Well still here and doing well, physicaly that is, mentaly I am trying and will do more schooling after half term. I will then move to 4 hours a day. In September I look to move to FULL day. I will need support most of the day to help me get through as I have lost so much and struggle to retain stuff, but will keep trying to do my best.

I hope to be able to do more now as I am trying to use walking sticks now to move around, though I DONT LIKE THEM, people think I am strange, well HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I AM, so I hope people will just try and treat me the same as everyone else. It is hard but I hope to be able to enjoy SCHOOL.

6th MAY 2009

Mom says that the new schedule at school is playing havoc with me at the moment and my fatigue levels waiver from day to day. As this was only the first week of the new schedule, mom will see how I am at the end of week two and if Im still so tired then mom will have to talk with the school to see how things can be changed. I am is also trying out a new programme in which she listens to classiscal music to help with memory recall and it's supposed to help relax her. I don't believe it's having that effect at the moment, I seem to get more stressed out by it, we shall see.

We went swimming to try and work some of those core muscles. It's a little difficult. Dad doesn't like public pools much, and even though he was with us he was extremely uncomfortable. Hopefully before our holiday starts, I will have succeeded in learning to swim.

Things are a little harder for us now as Ash works full time 12-8. We now need to look at employing a carer not only to assist with me, but to help out with picking up Cort etc.

Dang........ things just seem to get more complicated!

On the up side - and there is always an up side - I still manage to laugh everyday. Mom says I still love life and try to get as much as I can from it.

Mom said she would love to take a page from my book and laugh more often instead of worrying all the time.

22nd APRIL 2009

Well good news today from a parent, the crossing will be going in during the SUMMER HOLIDAYS 2009. That is great news and is most welcome. It has been a long hard battle and we have what we should have had many many years ago. (See my campaigns page for a copy of the email from Andy)

For me I have a new splint, gives me a bit more movement in my leg, still walking with crutches, though hope to move to a stick in a few months. May need to try and get used to wearing it with shots on.............not sure if I can wear it with everone looking, will see what I feel like. I am going to Birmingham Childrens Hospital on the 30th April, with mom, to give a talk on rehabilitation to a load of people..................they did a great job on me there. I am doing ok at school, at the moment trying 1 lesson a day in a subject to see how I cope, memory is still a problem but we shall cope.

12th April 2009

Well happy easter to all out there. I hope you are having a great time. I attended nana's funeral last week friday and it was a sad occasion. Grandad is doing well and has taken me to physio while Di is away, it has been fun having him take me there. I am back in a cast on my leg again this week, so that they can fit a splint.

My hours for school have changed for after easter and will be doing 2 hrs a day Mon through Thursday and an hour on Fridays, this is so that I can try to attend dome NORMAL lessons in the 2 hours to see how I will cope. It will be a long time before it is all normal again, though DAD says he will see where we are next year.

I want to THANK YOU ALL for the cards for my BIRTHDAY on the 7th April and the lovely gifts, 12 now and growing fast. I had a great day and got a new phone and other cooooooooooool stuff. It has been 7 months since that day and it seems evryone is glad I am still here. One question though!..................

WHERE IS THE CROSSING ?................................................. you would have thought that over these two weeks of school holidays when the traffic is quieter they would have done the crossing............when they said early in the year, what year were they talking about.

7 MONTHS ON AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ! LOADS OF TALK AND ASSESMENTS AND COSTS but NO ACTION.

It makes my DAD really mad. Please visit the CAMPAIGN PAGE to get it going AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26th March 2009

It is a crazy time at the moment. Dad's mom passed away yesterday 25th march 2009. The event was very sudden and VERY unexpected. Dad is quite upset at the moment and I am too. Nana was such a great laugh, I will miss you.

School is going well, we have received the cognative Psycological Report back and hope to have this scanned in within the next week or so. It does make for interesting reading and shows how I am doing, lots of big words though.

New Photos and Video added to PHOTOS PAGE. (Thanks Di)

16th March 2009

Well last week had to have my Leg put in Plaster, this is only for a week so that my foot can sit properly ready for a new splint. I hope to have it off this week and then it may go back on in 2 weeks. It is HARD tring to sleep with it on. The problem is that if my mussels on my leg dont get straighted out I may need to have an operation later to sort it out so we are trying this way.

School is going well at the moment. We shall see how the new splint goes over the next few weeks.

Vic -Me - Kim

7th March 2009

Well two weeks at school now. I am doing 1 hr a day on MON and FRI and 2 hours the rest of the days. I hope it keeps going well. Please support RED NOSE DAY this year, it does make a difference and £1 could change a life. DAD always says there is always somone worse off than we are and you know what, there IS.

No more news on the crossing as yet.............they seem to be STILL working on it, DAD wonders if they have spent as much time on the crossing as they have done with WORCESTER twinning with GAZZA. Again thank you all for your support, people are reading this stroy about me and loging into the GUESTBOOK to comment, thank you!, it means so much. All those who sent emails in please keep in touch. DAD is aiming for a BIG THANK YOU BARBEQUE in the SUMMER so watch this space.

CLICK PICTURE TO DONATE

2nd March 2009

I have been in the local paper and on Midlands Today it has been great. People have been messaging me with support and offers of goodwill. THANK YOU ALL.

I am going to now do 2hrs a day 3 days a week at school and see how it goes, should be ok but DAD dont want me to rush to much just yet. I will be going into plaster for a week in March to try and help my leg and get it ready for another splint. It will be a bit awkward but it all for the best. As most maybe know by now we are looking to go to RHODES for a holiday in July and as dad says " IT COST A FORTUNE!" but he thinks that we could all do with a little pampering after the year just gone. (mmmmmmmmmmmmmm beach and sun).

Dad even took me up to his golf club Ravenmeadow Golf Club and I had ago at hitting some golf balls on the driving range, i used to take lessons before my accident and I ENJOYED trying to hit again, DAD says he will take me again. School is still great and I think I am understanding that it is serious, but still it is FUN.

23rd February 2009

Well.........STARTED SCHOOL TODAY....very exited about seeing everyone. It was great fun and I hope to do more. People kept comming up to me all the time. Some i didn't even know!.

I know people are wondering how I and WE are all doing and I think it best you read the MOM & DADS THOUGHTS page. They have put it down the best they can.

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE BACK AT SCHOOL...............lol

17th February 2009

I start school on the 23rd February............YUP. Only 1 hour a day but at least it is somthing. I know it gonna be hard but I WILL COPE and I WILL get there. I hope to see loads of my friends that have not seen me and to make loads of new friends.

Just a thought?........Will the crossing be in place by the time I finish School in a few years?.................

12th February

So where is this crossing then ?..................they want to be in the paper and get the good stuff in print, yet drag feet when it all gets quiet. Come on Mr Prodger, you said it would go in ASAP, early 2009. So FEBRUARY is early 2009 and nothing has been done yet. Come on everyone lets get them to sort this out, write letters and emails AGAIN !.

Email him at : dprodger@worcestershire.gov.uk

Anyway, I am doing ok, will be going back to school after HALF TERM. Only for an hour a day. We will see how that works out. I have settled down now and the changes are slow, it is going to be a long hard road.............but I will get there. I will be picked up and dropped off at home which is good as I cant walk very far. I hope to see all my friends and meet some new ones...............I cant wait to go to SCHOOL...........lol.

2nd February 2009

So much has happened and my head spins with the thought of all the stuff still going on. Since my last update, I have started hydrotherapy. It's fantastic to teach balance and help restore those core muscles. These are stomach and back muscles, which help keep you upright. When I laugh, I kinda falls forward, so I'm always grabbing on . As you can imagine, I laugh quite a lot. Anyway, the pool is really warm, so I am only able to do a half hour, as it relaxes the muscles and takes the strain off of my legs. I was very tired after last weeks session, but I am very excited about returning.

I went back to BCH on Monday for my psych assessment. For 2 hours they questioned me, to test what I am able to recall and what level I am at. I have to return to get the results.

Last Thursday I was at BCH for an eye test. This also took 2 hours. They did the normal eye test, then they did a field test. This test was to check my peripheral vision, so so I had to spot where the light was, while staying focused on the hole in front. After that, they put drops in the eyes to dilate the pupils. This made my eyes sting and very sensitive to light. I then saw the consultant who advised that the optic nerve is still swollen and will still need to be monitored. I pray it comes right by the next visit in April/May.

After the consultant, I was advised that photo's of the inside of the eye would need to be taken. This is when things became interesting for me. The photo looks like a red planet and the bit they are concerned with is the white disc shape - the optic nerve. They explained that on a healthy eye, the outline of the disc is clearly visible. In my eye, the bottom of the nerve is not clearly visible. They will send us a copy of the photo's so we can post it on the website. See below

SLT advise that my voice might never return to normal as the vocal cords might have been damaged because of the ventilator and subsequent chest infection I had in ICU. The SLT is also going to investigate if my taste buds are non existent - as in non-receptive to texture and taste - or if I have to have more therapy to learn to chew again. On the plus side, we went to Nunnery and visited the centre where I will be when I eventually returns to school. It's called the Base. There is disabled access to the base, so I doesn't have to negotiate the stairs, or the thousands (1350) of kids that go to the school, and my friends can get to have lunch with me in the base, so I don't have to fight my way through the cafeteria lines either. Also, they have fantastic facilities inside there.

MY EYES

20th January 2009:

FRIDAY we got to see Mr Solanki and he was very impressed with my progress. He showed us the 3 MRI scans taken of me during my stay at BCH. There was a lot of surface blood around the brain, particularly to the right side and back of my head. He couldn't show us the x-rays, as he didn't have them. He has given me a challenge. In 6 months time, he wants to me again and has said he wants me to walk into his office without crutches...................NO PREASURE THEN...LOL

He also told me that the headaches are normal, and we need not worry. He also said that the more I exercises, the more flexible I'll become, and the easier it'll be to move and walk.

MOM spoke with the physio today, and she said MJ will have to be fitted with a new splint, as her feet are growing and "Fred"....(Thats what we call it...?) is hurting MJ anyway. She's developed a corn (kind've like a hard blister) which will be sorted on Thursday.

12th JANUARY 2009:

Well we thought McAyla was gonna be on the telly today, seems we were fed some duff information..........all we need now is the council NOT to start the crossings this month or early next month and we are back to square one. McAyla couldn't understand why she was not on when told she would be............We said we are sure it will be at some point.........LOL.

11th January 2008:

We took Mcayla bowling today at Bowel Extreme in Worcester, she tried really hard and enjoyed the time with her friend Kim, it was a good laugh had by all.

McAyla and Dave will be on the telly , BBC Midlands today, on Monday 12th January 2009. They have filmed a bit as to where the accident happend and where the crossings are to be put in. They filmed the droves of children that come down this hazardous road everyday, and at least now, people may understand exactly why we need the crossing in the first place.

Cortni desperately wanted to be on the telly and is quite gutted that she is not on there. We've explained that she may well get her turn one day when she does something truely amazing. In the meantime, she is still the little star of the family and we love her as much as we love her sisters.

On Saturday we all went to have a photo shoot so that we may finally have that long awaited family portrait with ALL of us in the photo at the same time. It's one of those things we promised we would do as soon as MJ was able. We are looking forward to it.

McAyla and Nick Physio 23rd December 2008

January 8th 2009

So... 4 months ago this time, we were crying bucket loads for our little girl. Scared, very scared. 4 months on and we have to keep pinching ourselves that our little girl is still alive and is able to hug MOM and DAD and talk to us. It's the most amazing feeling in the world.

Yes, we have just barely begun our journey on the very long raod to recovery, but there are little improvements and moments that just make us laugh. I'm glad that MJ is able to laugh at herself and the situation we find ourselves in, and we believe that is what helps us through. She has always had the sunniest disposition, which is why people find it easy to talk with her. Sometimes, she has moments when her smile drops and a dark cloud seems to sit above her head, but we think that under the circumstances, it's acceptable. After all, don't we all have dark days?

So, we saw the pediatrition and the SLT. Whilst talking with the pedeatrition, we discovered that MJ has in fact got 4 fractures to the skull. I was of the impression that it was only 2/3. We are becoming more aware that as much information as we were getting in ICU, it was seriously censored. In a strange way, we are comfortable with that, as we believe had we known, we might not have been as positive around MJ when she needed it most.

SLT have put my mind at rest with regard to Nunnery (School). She will get the support she needs and I'm sure that everything will be fine. MJ told the doc she doesn't want homework, and the doc told her not to panic, as dealing with being in school would be sufficient for a while.

So, MJ will have more assessments starting next week and more medical appointments, and maybe, we can get a copy of the x-ray of her head and put it on her webiste. Cool! we dunno about MJ, but we are starting to feel a bit like a gold fish in a gold fish bowl!

January 1st 2009:

Well all that can be said is HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

We want to thank you all for the well wishes during the past 4 months and I am doing great, I still try as hard as I can to improve and hope to start the water therapy in January. I am on MSN alot so say hi if you see me.

I had a great christmas day with loads of presents and we had a quiet day in, just us the family to reflect on the months leading up to christmas. Dad says that this was so nearly the worst christmas yet has turned out to be one of the best. On new years eve we stayed in too and some friends came over to visit, it was great fun and I think dad was lost in a moment when we watched the television and big ben turning to midnight. I went to be at 1am.......so late but it was a great time to be around everyone.

I am still bored as it is toooooooooo cold to go out anywhere but we hope that the weather improves and we can get out and about. Once again HAVE A GREAT 2009 everyone.

DECEMBER 18th:

DAD has just received news that 2 crossings are to be put in at the JUNCTION of London Rd, Wylds Lane and Seabright Ave. DAD wants to THANK all those who have gone out of thier way to make this HAPPEN. That includes Jo Hodges the city councillor, Mike Foster MP and EVERY ONE ELSE.

It is sad that it has taken such an event to cause CHANGE but at least change has happened.

I am making good progress and doing well at PHYSIO, DI takes me and this is SUCH A GREAT HELP to us all, I will continue to work harder to get even better, on WEDNESSDAY I went to have a hearing test at Birmingham Childrens Hospital..........I SAW the PHYSIOS there and they were simply blown away by my progress.

DAD's Friends have set up a web site to rasie monies for the AIR AMBULANCE, please take aminute to VISIT this site and donate what you can. Save a life today and donate to the AIR AMBULANCE.

Go to:

December 10th

We received the following email yesterday. Mom and DAD can not express thier thanks in any words.

Dear McAyla

My name is Ed Hartley. I work as a doctor in A&E in
Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley. On 7 September my
girlfriend and I were driving home to Birmingham after a
day out in Worcester where we had enjoyed a rare day off
from work. As we were leaving we passed the an ambulance
which had just arrived to treat you after you had been hit
by a car. I stopped to see if I could help and ended up
transferring you to the helicopter with the paramedics in
the back of the ambulance. We had to keep you very still
and give you oxygen. Once we got you to the helicopter
you were taken straight to Birmingham Children's Hospital
and I went back home.

I didn't know your name and it was quite hard for me to
find out from the hospital if you were OK. I phoned the
ICU a couple of times in the first week and they told me a
little bit. I see head injuries every day at work, and am
used to dealing with very poorly people. From what they
told me about you I was sure that you would die from your
injuries and I stopped calling.

I am doing boring exams at the moment, and to waste a bit
of time when I should be revising I had a look on the
Worcester News website to see if I could find out more
about the little girl who had been hit by a car. I
eventually found out that the little girl was you and had
a look at your (excellent) webpage. I am absolutely
delighted that you are doing so well after such a terrible
injury (I still have a spot of your blood stain on the
white hoodie I was wearing!). I wanted to write to wish
you all of the very best of luck as you continue your
recovery, and to wish you and your family a Happy
Christmas.

With best wishes

Ed

I am doing very well at the moment and have even been out to visit friends. I am still trying to get a disable parking badge as mom and dad struggle to get me in and out of the car unless there is loads of space. I did go to the council and the took my picture but I have not heard anything since, that was nearly 2 weeks ago?....................I am still striving to be all I can be.

December 3rd

Well well, what can I say. I am moving along great. Using a walking fram, wheelchair and crutchers to get around. Having School lessons at home and yes I actually enjoy them it keeps me so busy.

I get so BORED at home. I must say a BIG THANK YOU AND KISSES to Di for helping MOM and DAD by taking me to Physio, GRANDAD helps out too. MOM and DAD took me to see the air ambulance crew, I even got to sit in the helicopter............WOW. DAD says they saved my life that day and he WILL NEVER FORGET. I have included some photos on the PHOTO PAGE. It is difficult for mom and dad to be at home all the time and my BIG SISTER ASHLEY has given up LOTS OF HER OWN TIME and WORK to support me. I know MOM and DAD are so proud of her too. I hope to see more of you all soon and hope that I can even come and VISIT YOU soon.

Me at the Air ambulance and the LIFE SAVERS

Thursday 20th November

Well things are moving along, lots of PHYSIO and trying to move around a bit more. Not sure about some sruff but am trying. Home Teaching starts next week, that should be strange. Have had loads of visitors and LOADS of people signing my PETITION.............PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SIGN IT.

I have some new equipment at the moment to help me move about, can stand for about 20-25 minutes, though this is still ASSISTED. I am not allowed to move around by myself. Still sleeping downstairs at the moment, and will be getting training of going UP and DOWN stairs............THIS MAY MEAN I can go up srairs on my bum and can come down the same way. AGAIN I ALWAYS HAVE TO HAVE SOMONE WITH ME to do this. Just maybe I WILL BE ABLE TO GET TO MY ROOOOOOOOM...................WOW. It is a long road and will take alot of work to try and be as normal as I can be, we shall see............bring on 2009....

Me at home on LAPTOP..............well trying.......anyway

Last Days in Hospital

12th November 2008

Well it is so boring at home. I am doing my physio 3 times a week. Still not walking yet but am making big improvments. TEACHER comming around on FRIDAY to see what I am like and what I can remember...............not so much really.

Had my eys tested today, and I CAN SEE FINE......................I could have told them that ..........LOL. I am still a bit slower than usual, and still suffering from cognative defects ( In other words I dont remember to well). I was on the radio Hereford and Worcester with mom on MONDAY talking about my campaign. I would like to offer my support to anyone who is runnang a ROAD SAFETY CAMPAGN, and please support mine by signing my PETITION, it all helps.

I will be going down to see the XMAS LIGHTS being turned on THURSDAY in WORCESTER so if you see me about, do say HELLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOO.

NEW PHOTO'S COMMING SOOOOOOOOON.

Friday 7th November:

Well it has been a week since being home. It is very difficult for everyone and I am still living in the lounge. I am struggling with SHORT TERM MEMORY at the moment, but DAD says it quite normal. I speak a bit slower than usual, though I am still laughing alot.

I have been going to PHYSIO at the BEACON CENTER in Worcester and have been kneeling and rolling about. I still can't walk and MOM has to take me everywhere in the wheelchair, lucky we dont have to dash everywhere. MOM is trying to arrange some schooling for me at home as I WONT BE BACK TO SCHOOL till after the FEBRUARY HALF TERM BREAK.........sooooooooooooooooooo long. I must say I am board alot and try to keep busy watching TV and playing on my DS. I hope that you are still supporting my CAMPAIGN........DAD is tring to arrange some banners and plackards to go and stand there one MORNING to highlight the problem. (If you know somone who can help with this contact me OK !

I am off to the FIREWORKS with MOM,DAD and CORTNI tonight at CORTNI'S SHOOL - RED HILL..........It should be great fun.

Monday 3rd November:

Well what can I say I have been at home all weekend. I even went to a wedding on Saturday, didn't stay long as was tired but I LOVED IT. I have had many visitors and it has been great THANK YOU ALL. It has been busy and a we are all learning to live a different way at the moment.

I am sleeping downstairs at the moment, so too is dad, just to keep an eye on me. Tonight I went on MSN for the first time. I am a bit slow at answering but do try and I struggle to read what people are saying. PLEASE be patient with me OK. I hope to be able to be better soon but DAD doesn't want me to rush it too much.

Today I was DIASCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL.....I am home for good (I went to the Hospital with MOM). It does mean somone has to be here all the time to look after me and will cause some problems for MOM and DADS work but we will ALL try to work hard at keeping things as normal as possible. Nurses are comming this week to see me and we gonna start my Physio LOCAL soon.

I must SAY A BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU to all the staff on Ward 10 at the hospital I LUV you all.

Friday 31st October 2008

I AM COMMING HOME TODAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will have to sleep in the lounge, but at least I will be home. I at this moment am doing great, though still not all there so will be hard. I can remember long term memories but not any recent stuff. In my mind I FELL OUT OF A TREE that is why I am here (MOM and DAD are leaving the subject open at the moment.......Cognitive effects - this is when you ability to think, reason, process information and problem solve is affected. You may experience problems with your memory, particularly your short-term memory. You may also experience difficulty with your speech and communication skills.). I cant really remember the house I live in so everthing will be a bit NEW FOR ME. I hope to see MANY MORE OF YOU now that I AM CLOSER TO YOU ALL. PLEASE ARRANGE with my MOM and DAD to come see me.

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE GOING HOME............and YES it MAY BE PERMANENT................................as long as I do well and continue to WORK HARD.

Tuesday 28th October:

McAyla may be allowed home for the WEEKEND. THIS IS NEWS that has made us all so exited and worried at the same time. I have been working so hard to make sure I CAN GO HOME and if I push this week it just,just mabe it will be possible ! DAD is trying to sort things at home and be at work at the same time to get things I may need. I just cant wait to be able to BE AT HOME with my family and Friends closer to me. I still need to work HARD this week and will make sure I give an extra PUSH

NOW THAT IS GREAT NEWS !

Me at LUNCH...

SUNDAY 26th October:

Well today I had fun. I am getting better everyday now, it seems to be comming slowly. I still dont make MUCH SOUND when I speak but I do know what I want to say. I LOVE YOU...........I keep telling MUM and DAD that. I think DAD was very happy with me today, he just wanted to HUG me. MUM is so proud of me too, today I even managed to MOVE the WHEELCHAIR on MY OWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Dad still thinks I am strange as I wave at everyone........LOL, it winds him up.I have progressed so much, so quickly, Mum and Dad,myself and staff are amazed.

On Monday I wasn't able to colour in a picture, I was just barely able to keep the pen on the page and kept colouring the same spot. By Thursday, I was able to colour half a picture. I was also assessed for my wheelchair and by Friday, OT had to phone the wheelchair service and have them change the order.

I went with MUM,DAD and CORTNI down to the hospital resturant today, DAD bought lunch for me................PIZZA.........mmmmmmmmmmmmm on a SUNDAY. Then we had some Doughnuts.................I am eating well I must say.

(Dad missed his Brothers BIRTHDAY today and hope he Understands - HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL......................)

Many thanks to CHELSEA FC

Thursday 23rd October :

WELL I DONT have a feeding tube in any more......I NOW look sooooooooooooo normal (Though there are still some problems with me, That hidden disabilty) I worked hard to drink loads and eat loads so it paid off. I am also moving alot better and can transfer lots at the moment. I can - with help - go to the loo. I have also been given a box that helps me talk, in other words I press the button and it says things. I can speak, but very softly, you have to be really close, so this helps.

Me in Physio 23/20/2008.....see no TUBE

WEDNESSDAY 22nd October:

Well McAyla continues to make great progress. I am mouthing alot more words, the sound is very faint but can be heard if you listen. I have also adapted some hand signals, thumbs up and down and a great little wave. I have been working on movement so far this week. I am wanting to move myself from my wheelchair to the bed by myself. To do this they are teaching me to use a walking frame at the moment..........it really tough. They also came to see me about a new WHEELCHAIR as they said this one is a bit old.....mmmmmmm like DAD......LOL

I am eating very well and they say if I can drink 1500ml of liquid a day they will take the tube out................DAD says he will by my 2lt milkshake (LOL), though I must drink water or juice.......not just milkshake. I have also found out I dont LIKE BEANS.......the skin comes off in my mouth and I cant swallow that. Please know that I MISS you ALL and cry loads when I see people................I MISS people and am starting to realise where I am and I want to be HOME !

Monday 20th October:

McAyla SPEAKS......................................she utterd her first words TODAY.............MUM and DAD. If we could tell you what it was like to hear those words we would. Unfortunately DAD was at work today and didnt hear them, he is so SAD, but cant wait to hear those or any words at all. HE WILL BE THERE TOMMORO THOUGH. Mom said all the Nurses and even the school teacher were crying with emotion.

More news to follow soon..........we just to exited..............the emotion of your first childs birth is as close as it comes to saying how it feels. I will continue to try harder everyday.......THANKS for your support and Prayers everyone...............

Saturday 18th October:

What an exciting day!

I got to the hospital really early this morning and MJ was crying. I cuddled her and settled her down. I watched her dress herself and was so completely amazed that she copes so well with such little use and mobility in her right hand an arm. She brushed her hair and her teeth and all of this was done with her left hand. Considering she has never been left handed, I find this amazing.

I asked if she was okay by giving a thumbs up. She copied me! I was stunned at this new development. I continued to ask questions and she either gave a thumbs up or a thumbs down. The next thing I new, I asked her a question and she mouthed the word no. Then she started to cry. I think the tears was because she realised that there was no sound. I was so excited I jumped up and down and called the nurses over. They were elated too.

I need to say thanks to Sharon and Niall who wrote to CFC about McAyla. Thanks to Chelsea for the little gift they have sent to my little girl. The fact that the team addressed it directly to McAyla really means a lot. I know McAyla will treasure the items forever.

Friday 17th October :

Today Physio again (Thank G-d it's FRIDAY). Doing more stuff now, much harder, still hurts very much, dad hates seeing me in pain but we must. I had O/T this morning teaching me how to dress myself, I am getting quite good as I can nearly get my shirt on myself. Dad got me some more milkshake today........mmmmmmmmmmm I luv it. It has to be milkshake as it is thicker, as water moves to quickly through my mouth and I choke. He also got me some Quavers as they melt in my mouth. A student nurse also gave me some milk chocolate buttons as she is leaving today.........I will miss her. I had 2 whole weetabix just before going down to Physio so I had enough strength............eat breakfast everyone you need it ! (New Pictures on the PHOTOS page at the bottom)

Everytime dad got his phone out to take pictures I just wanted to smile.........seems I luv the camera (lol). DAD says he has had so many emails since I was in the newspaper yesterday that the CAMPAIGN is going to kick start next week in the paper.

Wednessday 15th October:

I had physio today in the gym. They got me to stand on my own two legs for the first time today. IT HURT SO MUCH, I CRIED (I DONT DO CRYING as you know !). I stood up straight. My legs are very weak and I wobble about alot and it HURTS my legs but I must carry on. DAD says I am so determined, he is SO PROUD of me I think even he had tears in his eyey's (He is a big softie really). I had som mash and cauliflower with mince today and mom got me a milkshake............mmmmmm.

DAD says he will try and SAVE ALL THE MONIES HE CAN and take us all to SPAIN NEXT YEAR. He told me that if I work hard he will work hard to get enough monies together to take me on holiday. I CANT WAIT ! (This is not a plea for help with monies, though thanks to those who have suggested it, it is merely a comment for McAyla to read one day - DAD)

See more about what I am going through on the MEDCAL page.

Me standing............it hurt alot, but will keep trying

Monday 13th October:

Well the weekend came and I fell out of bed...........well they say I climbed out of bed, actually no one knows but me. The Dr came and checked me over and I am ok. MOM and DAD were a bit concerned about it wondering how I got over the rails with my pillow and blanket.

I had visitors on Saturday and some on SUNDAY..........wow that was great. I do know it is strange for people to visit me and me not speaking or looking tired...........PLEASE bear with me on this, it has only just been 5 weeks since the accident and I AM STILL NOT ALL TOGETHER HERE.

Handy tips for visiting me would be:

TALK TO ME.

DONT BE SCARED I WONT BITE................(Much)

TELL ME ABOUT NEW THINGS.

IF I LOOK TIRED, I AM, BUT I AM STILL LISTNING TO YOU.

IF I DONT LOOK AT YOU WHEN YOU SPEAK DONT WORRY. ( I Drift off with the fairies somtimes)

AND IF YOU ARE FUNNY I MAY EVEN LAUGH.

Today i had some CHIPS....................WOW, better than MASH only. Also I had some broccoli....................not so keen on that LOL. I hope to be able to eat much more soon so that the tube can come out. I move about alot on my bed and have to have some cusions to protect me and the wall (lol). I am getting better everyday yet there is a Loooooooooooong way to go yet. DAD just wants me to speak.............but he will have to wait, oh and dad the shoes you got me fit my splints great but they are rather large and BRIGHT !.

Friday 10th October :

Well I have been busy this week, loads of therapy and my move into a wheelchair (See PHOTOS) . I still cant stand by myself or sit by myself at the moment. I seem to be giggling a lot more to funny stuff.........well at least I find it funny. I have NOT spoken yet though I am eating some MASH and custard. They even give me a few chocolate buttons to eat. I am drinking some thickened water mixed with orange juice. Though dad says it tastes like Cat P**, wonder how he knows!.............LOL. This will hopefully lead to me drinking normal water and things.

I am currently trying to EAT everything somone gives me..........though I do know NOT to eat my deodrant can ...........it tastes bad LOL. So I am still drifting off with the fairies every now and then. My progress has been fast and I hope that I can continue in this manner. Mom and Dad say they are so proud of me. Still ALONG WAY TO GO.......................cant wait to see visitors this weekend.

My MASH GRAVY and CUSTARD.......mmmmmmmm....LOL

Tuesday, October 7th:

One month ago today tradgedy struck our little family group. This time last month, I was crying so hard, praying that my little girl would keep fighting and get through this tough time. One month on and MJ is dressing herself (with a little assistance), laughing, trying to feed herself, drinking thickend water and sits in a wheelchair.

Sunday, October 5th:

The most exciting thing happened today....Mic laughed! Unfortunately I wasn't there to see it, but Ash and Sam were. They made her laugh and filmed it too so everyone can see for themselves. Wow! I'm over the moon! Another piece of McAyla is back! I think the doctors are going to have their socks blown right off tomorrow when they get the update!

There is a VIDEO on my BLOG.........See me Laugh!!

Thursday 2nd October 2008

Well it looks like I am going to be here in Birmingham Childrens Hospital for another month to start with. We will then look at where I am and what will be next. Today I hope to have an xray to see if the collar can be removed, it will help me with trying to move about more. I have also become very tactile with my left hand (I am trying to look and feel with my hand and fingers) There is the hope that I will be able to be home at some point.............sooooooooooooooon please lol. This will make the whole family very happy, though it will be alot of work that I have to do and the rest of my family too.

Mom and Dad have arranged visitors for me, which it is hoped will stimulate me into even more improvement. So that I too can enjoy this most exiting time in my life. Hard work will be required and I am going to give it my best.

Wednesday, October 1st:

Today Mic went for an eye check up. The doctors are concerned because MJ doesn't like to pull her eyes to the right. So, they just needed confirmation that no major damage has been done to the right eye as a result of the fracture.

You'll be glad to know that there isn't. She has a swollen nerve at the back of the eye which, in time, will heal and the eye should then move as normal. Establishing how far Mic can see and what she can see will take place at a much later stage. The nerve is swollen due to the high pressures that were inside the skull when the brain was swelling. Before the test took place, Mic reached up and rubbed her left eye. She hasn't done that before. She also discovered her ear and nose.

Mic had some drops placed in her eyes which helped to dilate the pupil a bit. The drops sting. McAyla looked like she wanted to cry and did not respond well to the drops or the bright light that was shone in her eyes. At one point she grabbed the consultant's hand to pull it away from her eyes.

We were in the waiting room and it dawned on me that there will be some things I need to get used to sooner, rather than later. Firstly, the fact that people don't know how to deal with someone who is verbally unresponsive, and secondly, the fact that people will always stare when something or someone is different. I don't believe it is out of nastiness, but merely a desire to understand why.

On a lighter note, Mic can play thumb wars again. Not quite the same rules, as you have to place your thumb against hers to let her know it's there, but she's able to pin you down. One...Two...Three...Four...Mic declare's thumb wars!!!!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Monday September 29th: More good news today. The speech and language therapists gave Mic 8 teaspoonfuls of yoghurt today. She managed very well, but tired after that. If you can imagine how a baby feeds for the first time, this would be similar to how Mic is eating now. She can't remember to close her mouth around the spoon when it is placed in her mouth, so they have to scrape the food against the top of her mouth. She then tastes it with her tongue and proceeds to swallow.

The occupational therapists gave her a sensory session today. She didn't like anything that was in a tube or wire form. I think that it's because she felt all the tubes that were in her and relates that to pain. She did however like the disco ball, and other toys.

When we were leaving, Dave went to give Mic a hug and placed his head on her tummy. She responded by reaching for his hair and gently touched it. She did the same with Ash and then me. It's the closest we have come to a hug since her accident. YEAH!!!

We had a discussion with the police about McAyla's case. For obvious reasons I cannot say very much other than they think it was Mic's fault. The course of the investigation depends entirely upon McAyla and how she progresses. Initially, they were treating this case as if McAyla was not going to make it through, but being the tough cookie that we all know and love, she proved them wrong. Let's hope she can do it again!

Saturday 27th, and I cannot believe the change in my little girl from 20 days ago. On the outside, she looks exactly the same as before the accident, except for a few bruises and a bit of her hair that has been shaved. Also, she still hasn't spoken, but, that will come. Oh, how I miss her little voice.

She went for physio on Friday and they laid her on a bed which they could tilt upright. The purpose of this is to help Mic to learn to stand and to put pressure on her feet again. Whilst they were tilting her, she tried so hard to lift her head so she could see what else was going on in the gym. There was another child having physio and he was on a toy that he could push himself around on. Ashley was in Mic's way and she tried to look around Ash to see what was going on. Still as curious as ever. I bet she was wishing she could've had a go! She has these groovy new splints which have a denim design on which help to keep her ankles in the correct position. She will also have a night time pair which have a rainbow design on. I have to say, they look a lot better than the purple plaster casts she had on. We don't know if the splints will need to be on forever, or if they will only be on until McAyla can walk again.

Mic can now lift her bottom up a little bit when asked. I noticed she is pulling at her neck brace which indicates she is very uncomfortable. Both legs move more freely now. I think the casts were just too heavy for her to lift. She is definitely more alert than she was a week ago, although she still doesn't seem to know where she is. It's difficult to explain, but hopefully when you all get to see her, you will understand.

How are we coping

Many people have asked me how we are coping as a family, as parents and as a mother. The honest answer is I don't really know. No-one knows how they will react in situations forced upon them, until it happens to them. I can tell you that it's been an emotional roller coaster that I never want to go on again.

I cannot go into detail of how the accident occurred, purely because I was not there and I don't want to speculate. All I know is that my life changed forever on September 7th, 2008.

For the purpose of McAyla's friends who may read this with their parent's permission, I will start at the beginning.

Sunday afternoon, McAyla's neighbourhood friends knocked on the door, asking if she wanted to go with to the shops. I didn't have a problem with this as I know McAyla is careful on the roads. The funny thing is, I don't think she really wanted to go as she rolled her eyes when she asked. I told her not to go if she didn't want to. She went anyway.

A few moments later, there was a loud knock on the door. I opened it and McAyla's 15 year old friend screamed out "McAyla's been hit by a car!" Dave was laying on the couch but as soon as he heard, he was out of the door and running down the road in his socks. I pulled on trainers and followed. I cannot tell you if I left the door open or not. I know I left Cortni standing in the lounge. I don't even know if she followed me out the door. Luckily, Ashley and Samantha were at home to look after her.

About half way down the road, I passed the social club and heard somebody say something. I suddenly stopped running and wondered if I really wanted to see what was waiting for me around the corner. Then I thought about my baby laying in the road and I started to run again.

As I turned the corner, I saw the ambulance, paramedics tending to McAyla, Dave walking, fingers linked behind his head, police stopping traffic and turning them away, McAyla's friends crying and walking toward me. I ran to McAyla and saw blood pooling around her head, her face was pointed to her right and her forehead looked like it was split in two. I touched her and spoke with her, reassuring her of my love. I looked for Dave. He was sitting on the pavement, colour had drained from his face. There was a blonde woman with him, talking to him. I noticed McAyla's trainer on the pavement and looked for the other one. I couldn't see it. I looked at her feet and noticed the tops of her socks had holes in them. There was a man, not in uniform, but helping McAyla. I saw high heel shoes and keys neatly on the pavement. This seemed odd to me. The blonde woman approached me and I noticed her feet were bare. I later learned she was an off duty police officer and the man helping McAyla was an off duty doctor.

All of this seemed to happen in slow motion, until I saw Ashley coming up the road crying and panic in her eyes. I hugged her and told her to go home. I needed to be with McAyla and I needed Ashley at home to look after Cortni. A neighbour walked her away.

I asked the paramedics if I could go with them in the ambulance. They agreed and loaded McAyla up first and I had to sit in the front. It was at this point I got to walk around the car that struck my baby girl. The only thing I saw was the impact point on the windscreen.

We drove to County Hall and met the air ambulance. Again they took McAyla first and then loaded me up. Only once in the helicopter, did the tears start to stream down my face. We arrived at Birmingham Children's Hospital and they whisked her into A&E. I had to wait until the helicopter cleared the air space. Why, I don't know. Then I was taken to see McAyla in A&E and that's when I got really scared. I have never seen so many people work on such a little body, just trying to save her life. They told me everything they were doing, but for all the money in the world, I cannot remember half of it. Once they were happy, they sent McAyla for a CT scan, which is like an x-ray of the brain.

I met up with Dave who had arrived at the hospital during this time, and we were then sent to wait in the parents waiting room in ICU. Time passed very slowly as we waited to see MJ. When we did get to see her, it was very scary. There were tubes and wires going into her, a monitor was above her and there was a ventilator breathing for her.

That night, we didn't sleep much. In fact, for many nights we didn't sleep properly or eat. For the 9/10 days that McAyla was in ICU, I kept a bedside vigil, occasionally swapping with Dave. McAyla was eventually moved to ward 10. On Friday 19th, she opened her eyes fully for the first time. I was so excited. The only problem was she didn't seem to recognise me.

As each day passes, she makes a little more progress. On Tuesday, I noticed she was moving her tongue in her mouth and it looked like she was trying to say something and becoming frustrated. So, I decided to pull tongues at her and make funny shapes with my mouth. When I told her to pull her tongue out, she did! Yesterday she had a physio session and they were very happy with her progress. Whilst she can't sit on her own yet, she tried to roll over when asked and lifted her right leg on command. She looked for me yesterday when asked and that made me so excited. Oh, and in case you were wondering, even if you are sick, you have to go to school! The teachers have been up 3 times to see McAyla, but each time she's been asleep. Do you think she does it on purpose?

McAyla tires easily now and there will be many things she needs to learn again. Once she is feeling stronger, we will arrange visiting times for you all.

For those grown-ups who ask about the driver, we assume she is devestated by what has happened. As far as Mic's friends are concerned, we have spoken with the parents and offered to get the kids counselling should they need it. At the end of the day, in situations like this, nobody is a winner, but everybody does lose something.

THANK YOU CHELSEA FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you to all who have visted my site

The information on this site was obtained from the internet at various points. Copying the information may be unlawfull and the information belongs to somone else and those who wrote it. So dont do it. DO NOT USE MY PICTURES UNLESS I HAVE AUTHORISED IT, contact my Parents for details.

I am not affiliated with any company or organisation on this site nor do they endorse me. I use the music on this site to highlight a mood. It has been chosen for me for private use and I dont want to broadcast it in any way. I hope the muscian understands this.

This site is written in the FIRST person (I), my Dad and Mom are writing it .