Teen hurt in attack ‘a step closer to home’
A SCOTS teenager who was seriously injured in the Manchester terror attack has been moved to hospital in Glasgow.
Laura MacIntyre, 15, is making ‘good progress’ in her recovery from ‘significant hand and leg injuries’, her parents said yesterday.
The youngster was at the Ariana Grande concert in the city with her friend Eilidh MacLeod, 14, who was killed in the tragedy on May 22.
The girls, from the Hebridean isle of Barra, were reported missing after they failed to get in touch with family following the bomb attack.
Eilidh was later confirmed dead while Laura was found among victims being treated in hospital. Laura’s parents, Michael and Nan MacIntyre, said their daughter’s transfer to Glasgow means she is ‘one step closer to home’.
A statement from the couple added: ‘We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Manchester and in particular all those who have done so much to help Laura and our family.
‘The kindness and care started from the first moments after the bombing when a young Travelsafe officer held Laura’s hand and comforted her for an hour while she waited for treatment.
‘We believe he helped save Laura’s life that night and he will always be a hero to our family. Since then, he has been to visit Laura in hospital and it was a privilege to meet him and thank him in person.’
The MacIntyres also thanked the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital team who cared for Laura, a pupil at Barra’s Castlebay Community School.
They said: ‘We couldn’t wish for a more dedicated, kind and professional group of people. We’d also like to thank Greater Manchester Police and Police Scotland for their support.
‘Loganair Glasgow and Dolina at the airport in Barra have also been fantastic, helping fly family members to and from Manchester.
‘We’d also like to thank Ronald McDonald House for providing accommodation during our time in the city. Finally, we’d like to thank Michael’s employers, Marine Harvest, for their patience and help.
‘All these people and organisations have made a big difference during a very traumatic time and we will always be grateful.’
They added: ‘Laura continues to make good progress in her recovery but it will be a long process. Her hand and leg injuries are significant but we are glad that she has been able to move to Glasgow.
‘She is now one step closer to eventually returning home to Barra, from where we have received enormous love and support.’ JOHN COOPER IS AWAY