Parents’ vigil by son’s hospital bed
Teenager left paralysed after being struck by police car
THE parents of a teenager who was left paralysed after being struck by a police car have revealed they haven’t left his hospital bedside in three months.
Khia Whitehead, 16, was left fighting for his life after the horror crash in Stockport, on December 26 last year.
The keen footballer suffered a serious head injury during the collision, which happened at around 9.30pm on Garners Lane, Adswood.
He will never be able to walk again, doctors have informed his devastated family.
The driver of the car has been suspended from driving police vehicles pending the outcome of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Three months on from the tragedy, Khia remains at Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment.
His parents, Laura and Duane have not left his bedside since.
In an emotional social media post, the couple paid tribute to Stockport community which has rallied round the family.
Green balloons and banners have been dotted around streets near to where the crash happened, with a green heart becoming the symbol of hope for Khia and his family.
Manchester United legends such as Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson have sent well wishes to the teenager, and a firework display was even let off during a Stockport County game.
A fundraising page launched by Khia’s former football coach at Spurley Hey Football Club has raised over £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, who have provided life-saving treatment to Khia.
Laura wrote online: “It’s been an emotional morning looking at all the kids from Adswood, Bridgehall and Ambrose School dressed in green for Khia.
“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.”
Family friend Lisa Skopek said Khia’s family have been overwhelmed by the support, which has been a constant source of hope for his parents.
Lisa said: “Khia is still in hospital. He’s on the path to having his tracheostomy tube 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 had been responding to an emergency on December 26.
The second of the three vehicles collided with Khia, whilst a third vehicle struck a post after swerving to avoid the crash, the IOPC said.
In the days following the tragedy, 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 since being admitted to hospital in December.
Lisa said: “The whole community of Adswood has been decorated in green ribbons and banners since Khia’s accident. All around Edgeley and Davenport too.
“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 Manchester United fan, and has a younger sister and older brother.
His mum Laura is said to have been playing videos of football chants to Khia, as well as messages from friends and family.
Lisa said the community would also like to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, where Laura and Duane have been staying for the past few months.
Lisa said: “Without them I don’t know how they would have done it. They have not been home since it happened. I think they are just overwhelmed by the support. Even three months later everyone is still there for him.”