Paralysed boy’s family in salute to community
PARENTS OF BOY PARALYSED IN HORROR CRASH SALUTE COMMUNITY THAT HAS RALLIED BEHIND THEM
THE parents of a teenager who was left paralysed after being struck by a police car have paid an emotional tribute to their local community.
Khia Whitehead, 16, was left fighting for life after the horror crash on Garners Lane in the Adswood area of Stockport on the night of December 26 last year.
The keen footballer suffered a serious head injury during the collision, and will not be able to walk again, doctors have informed his devastated family. The driver of the police vehicle has been suspended from driving police vehicles pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted by The Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Three months on, Khia remains at Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment. His parents, Laura and Duane, have not left his bedside.
In an emotional social media post, the couple posted a tribute to the community of Adswood, who have rallied round the family.
Green balloons and banners have been dotted around the streets near to where the crash happened, with a green heart becoming the symbol of hope for Khia and his family.
A fundraising page launched by Khia’s former football coach at Spurley Hey Football Club has raised more than £22,000. On Friday instead of honouring Comic Relief, three local primary schools – Adswood, Bridgehall and Ambrose School – dressed in green for Khia.
The money raised will be donated to Manchester Royal Infirmary, which has provided life-saving treatment to Khia.
Laura wrote on social media: The support everyone has shown him has been outstanding. Thanks to each and every person for every prayer, every band, car stickers, door bows, balloons, banners, and all the fundraising for Khia. The list is endless. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Close family friend, Lisa Skopek, told the M.E.N. that Khia’s family have been overwhelmed by the support, which has been a constant source of hope for his parents.
She said: “Khia is still in hospital. He’s on the path to having his tracheostomy removed and after that the only machine he’ll need is a peg machine to help him eat. After that his recovery will consist of physiotherapy as he still has no movement.
“It has been confirmed that he will never walk again.
“He is in a minimally conscious state and we are still waiting for him to fully wake up. Doctors said it could be 12 months before they can deem how much more is going to come through. Every day he is improving though.”
Initial enquiries into the crash established three police vehicles from GMP had been responding to an emergency. The second collided with Khia, while a third vehicle struck a post after swerving to avoid the crash, the IOPC said.
Khia had to undergo three emergency brain surgeries in the space of a week, to keep him alive. In total he has undergone eight operations. “The whole community of Adswood has been decorated in green ribbons and banners since Khia’s accident. All around Edgeley and Davenport too,” Lisa said.
“Instead of doing Comic Relief, the local primary schools did a green heart day for Khia. Lots of the kids wore T-shirts and jumpers which said things like ‘keep fighting.’ They are all going to present one cheque to Manchester Royal Infirmary.”
Khia, who spent his 16th birthday in hospital, is a big United fan, and has a younger sister and older brother.