Arena bomb survivor reunited with nurses
A SCHOOLGIRL who was seriously injured in the Manchester Arena bombing had an emotional reunion with the hero nurses who saved her life.
Freya Lewis suffered multiple fractures, lacerations and burns after being hit by shrapnel during the blast on May 22.
The 15-year-old underwent multiple operations – one lasting more than ten hours – and was at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for almost six weeks.
Freya was finally able to return home to Holmes Chapel in June.
On Friday, during an emotional end of year assembly at Holmes Chapel High School, Freya was reunited with members of the critical care team who looked after her.
In front of 1,250 teary-eyed students, staff and guests, Freya was reunited with nurses Beth Thacker and Jenny Grant for the first time since leaving hospital.
Freya, along with her sister Georgia, presented them with a cheque for £24,000, raised after their family launched a fundraising campaign to thank medics for their care.
The teenager’s bravery astonished those around her. She underwent physiotherapy and had to go back to hospital regularly for check-ups.
Freya’s hard work and determination paid off and in September she rejoined classmates at Holmes Chapel High. Her loved ones launched a fundraising appeal in her name as a way of saying thank you for everything doctors, nurses and other medical staff did. In just seven months, the appeal raised more than £24,000.
Georgia, 18, said that her sister is doing well and is in good spirts, but said she still has a long way to go.
“My family and I had never heard of the paediatric critical care unit at the hospital,” she said.
“We had no idea what they did. But now I can tell you that my sister is only with us now because of the incredible treatment, skill and care she has received after she was badly injured in the attack.”
She added: “It was lovely to see Beth and Jenny. We remembered them both with great fondness.”
Nick Lewis, Freya’s dad, described his daughter’s care as ‘truly world class’.
He added: “As a family, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, not only from family and friends, but from the whole community.
“Over the past seven months, through the overwhelming generosity of people who were touched by Freya’s story, we have raised an incredible £24,000 for the paediatric critical care unit.
“I can honestly say that the care Freya and our family received was truly world class.
“Something very positive has come from such an unimaginable situation.”
Freya had been at the Ariana Grande concert with her best friend and class-mate, Nell Jones, 14, who was tragically killed in the blast.
Over the past few months, her family has been working closely with the school to make sure she is never forgotten – and recently announced the launch of a short story competition in Nell’s memory, which will be held each year.
A special prize, sponsored by Nell’s parents, will be awarded to the winner.
A Garden of Memories, inspired by Nell, is also under construction at the school.