The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cycle crash coma teen’s joy
An Angus teenager, who spent weeks in a coma after a devastating mountain-bike accident, is inspiring his parents and medics with his fightback from the crash which almost claimed his life.
Wil Ritchie was with pals at Forfar’s Balmashanner Hill in July when he came off his bike on one of the area’s popular off- road trails.
Despite wearing a helmet, the 14- year- old suffered a catastrophic deep brain injury in the accident.
He was rushed to Ninewells Hospital after a major emergency response to recover him from the scene.
T he For far Academy youngster has now taken his first physical steps on the long road to recovery as he focuses on a return home to continue his lengthy rehabilitation.
Wil’s parents, Karen and David, say they have been amazed by their son’s sheer determination to come back from the brink.
And figures from the Angus town’s Strathmore Rugby Club, which Wil has played for since primary school, have already seen almost £4,000 pour into a £10k crowdfunder to support his recovery.
Mum Karen Ritchie said: “I watched Wil in a coma and on a ventilator for three weeks dreading that
he may never be capable of breathing for himself.
“It was a freak accident that left us facing a situation no parent would ever wish to see their child go through.
“A t that point, the outcome could not have looked bleaker,” she said.
“Yet, against all the odds, Wil has fought with such b r a v e r y, grit and
determination, astonishing myself, his dad and all the medical teams who continue to care for him so compassionately, tirelessly and professionally.
“Things are still uncertain, but W i l ’s progress over the past few weeks has amazed everyone.”
Having been at his side since the accident, Karen
was recently greeted with the words ‘Hello mum’, a par tic ularly emotional moment on the rehabilitation journey.
Sight tests have registered encouraging signs and Wil is also able to eat again.
“He is having to work so hard to relearn so many things,” said Karen, 48.
Mum Karen said: “He
misses physio when he doesn’t have it, because he just wants to smash through the challenges facing him.
“It’s incredible how hard he is working, but when anyone tells Wil he is doing well he shakes his head and points to the staff as the ones who are making the d i f f e r e n c e ,” she continued.
“Everyone at Ninewells has been fantastic, through Wil’s situation and with everything else going on around the pandemic,” said Karen.
“They are astounded – everyone is astounded – and we didn’t think we could hope for where we are now.
“We’ve an immense sense of pride that Wil has displayed the greatest of respect and gratitude towards everyone involved in caring for him,” added Karen.
“Of course, we just want him to keep pushing on and improving, but we also realise he is possibly going to h av e a lifetime of rehabilitation.”
The couple say they have been overwhelmed by local support for Wil, particularly the crowdfunder set up by Steve Oakley of Strathmore Ru g b y C l u b’s Grumpy Gryphons, who are set to cycle the North Coast 500 next summer.
His mum added: “Wil’s always loved sports and has played with Strathie Sharks since he was six.
“It’s incredible what they are doing to help him and we are so grateful to everyone who has already suppor ted the crowdfunder.”
A home visit is on the horizon for the brav e teenager, who will also be focusing towards his Boxing Day 15th birthday with the determination and drive which has already carried him so far.