A SCHOOLGIRL who nearly died after falling from a tree was due to celebrate her 14th birthday today (Thursday) … by being discharged from hospital.
Vanessa Milek was expected to return to a party at her family home on Westwood Street, Accring-ton, just seven weeks after she suffered head injuries, a broken wrist and damage to her kidney, spleen and pancreas. A pupil at St Christo-pher's High School in Accrington, she was injured after tumbling from a tree in the town's Milnshaw Park while searching for conkers.
As she lay unconscious in intensive care at the Royal Manchester Child-ren's Hospital, doctors feared the worst. But against all odds, Vanessa went on to make an amazing recovery.
Speaking on Wednesday, her mum Angela, 40, said she was thrilled at her daughter's recovery and could not wait to have her home again. She said: "For her to be home on her birthday is wonderful and Christmas will be fantastic, even though I've only just been able to start thinking about it. Doubtless, we'll have a big party on Christmas Day.
"I don't want any Christmas presents because I have the best present possible. I didn't think she was coming home, so it's fantastic for us all. She is such a bubbly, outgoing person and she's my life. Without her I would have been devastated."
Angela explained that despite her remarkable return to health, Vanessa was still suffering from short-term memory problems and would be attending LEMS, a special centre in Burnley, to aid her recovery.
She added: "Vanessa will be assessed and they have said her memory could come back, although it might take months. Nobody can really say. But in herself she is really well. Everything is healing nicely and she is pretty much back to normal. Her aim is to get back to St Christopher's for a few hours a week and I think she'll definitely benefit from being with her friends."
Vanessa's grandmother, Gloria Milek, of Avenue Parade, Accrington, said: "I can't believe it. It's absolutely wonderful she's coming home. I never expected it. All her family and friends are so excited about having her back."
