Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Face of hope Amazing courage of gymnast, 9, who lost leg in road smash on first day out of lockdown.. but is determined to perform again
A SCHOOLBOY who lost part of his leg in a crash is determined to get back to gymnastics and dancing.
Max Clark, nine, needed a section of his leg amputated after a motorbike struck him on bank holiday Monday.
The family had been out for a picnic when the youngster was the victim of a suspected hit-and-run accident.
His mum Kirsty Clark, 31, said the accident happened when the family ventured outdoors for the first time since lockdown began.
Speaking after her son’s surgery, she said: “He is doing really well.
“He is able to get himself from his bed to his wheelchair and he has had half of his leg amputated just below the knee.
He is a really keen gymnast and he dances as well.
“All those things are going to be possible but not for a while. He is taking it as well as we could have hoped for.”
Max was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary after he was struck by a motorbike within 15 minutes of arriving at Rosmead Park on Monday.
Kirsty and partner Paddy, 32, of Hull, decided to take their four children there to meet up with friends.
It was the first time the family had left the home since March 21.
Kirsty said: “Our six-year-old daughter Molly saw everything so she is going to need some kind of help down the line.
“The only way I can describe it is like watching a film you can’t turn off at the time. Now I know he is okay that is the main thing. He is still our little Max as he was before. We are pulling together as a family but we are okay.
“It could be worse. We have got to keep positive for him.”
A crowdfunding page set up by Max’s gymnastics teacher Joanna Grant has raised more than £9,000 so far, smashing the original target of £1,000.
Posting on the funding site, Joanna said her pupil was a “warrior”, adding: “Max is an amazing gymnast and dancer and a wonderful young man, well loved by everyone who knows him.”
Tony Clark, Max’s uncle, said proudly of his nephew:
“Max is an energetic kid that loved his gaming, gymnastics and dance. I hope from this tragic event, people understand a little more that our actions have consequences.”
Hours after the crash, police arrested Jerome Cawkwell, 24, from Hull.
He has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a licence, using a vehicle without insurance and using a vehicle not in efficient working order.
He indicated a guilty plea and was given conditional bail to appear at Hull crown court on June 24.
MAX’S GYMNASTICS TEACHER