Little miracle!

Photo: Darren Robinson

SMILING again: Adam with mum Anita.

Wish comes true for Adam and family
IT was a Christmas wish little Adam McQuillan’s family feared would never come true — one where they saw their little boy smiling, happy and making a recovery.

Described as a “little miracle”, the eight-year-old spent 10 weeks in a coma after being knocked down by a car in Abbeyhills Road in October.

But surrounded by presents and thrilled family members at Manchester Children’s Hospital, this Christmas would be one for all to remember.

They gathered to see him tear open the wrapping paper himself, having slowly regained the use of one of his hands.

He can also move his feet and has been using “yes” and “no” cards to communicate with his family.

Mum Anita said: “He’s been really excited for Christmas.

“The hospital has been great, Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve and he woke up and caught a glimpse of him putting presents under his bed, it was brilliant.

“On the day he was smiling and laughing and had a great time, I cried the first time I saw him smile again.”

Adam and his family tucked into a Christmas Day buffet at the hospital and staged extended celebrations on Boxing Day when he got to go home for the first time. Anita added: “He just loved being home and it was so amazing to have him back — we didn’t want to take him back to the hospital.

“We couldn’t have imagined we’d be at this point a few months ago.”

The football-mad youngster has a long way to go to recover from the damaging effects of the accident, but a host of well-wishers — including some famous faces — have come together to make sure his spirits are kept high. He’s had visits from Manchester United and City stars, but being an avid Latics fan, a visit from club mascot Chaddy the Owl, who came especially for Adam with a signed ball, made him brim with excitement.

“That was his favourite, he’s had so much football stuff for Christmas but Chaddy visiting was a real highlight for him,” said Anita. Now the family is hoping to get tickets to take Adam to Anfield to witness Athletic face Premier League giants Liverpool in the FA Cup third-round tie.

He’ll be allowed out of hospital to attend the big match on Friday, January 6, should his mum bag some tickets.

Adam is coming on in leaps and bounds, but his family is still acutely aware that a long road to recovery lies ahead.

They’re hoping to have him home for good by the end of February.

In the meantime, they are doing everything they can to raise money for the hospital where Adam has been looked after.

Anita said: “Santa came to bring presents in hospital and they had carol singers, the atmosphere was just magical.

“You put your pennies in the box to help raise money but people don’t realise just what happens on these wards, it’s just been fantastic.”