NIKITA SMITH

Since suffering life-threatening head, chest and leg injuries in a road traffic accident in June, sixteen-year-old Nikita Smith continues to make good progress in the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough.

The accident occurred when she was involved in a collision with a car whilst riding her moped on a country lane. When the Air Ambulance arrived at the scene her heartbeat was four per minute and the Paramedics were concerned she would not survive the helicopter trip to the hospital. Against all the odds she put up a tremendous fight for her life and has now pulled through the most difficult period despite the injuries.

She remains comfortable in hospital while the staff continue to help her recover, keeping them all entertained with her happy sense of humour.

After speaking with her parents, Trial Magazine Editor John Hulme called in to visit her on his way to the Penrith WTC, as did Gas Gas UK boss John Shirt Jnr with gifts from Gas Gas rider Adam Raga and the Ladies British Trials Champion Emma Bristow. Andy Smith: “This had been a very difficult time for the family as at one point we had to come to terms with the fact that we could have lost Nikita. Despite the severe nature of the injuries she has shown an incredible will to survive and is now on her way to recovery. The support from the world of Trials has touched the whole family and we would like to thank everyone who has shown their support for our daughter.”