Oswaldtwistle boy returns home after road accident

9:00pm Thursday 13th November 2008

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A 14-YEAR-old boy knocked down while he was on his way to school has been discharged from hospital.

Ben Forrest was allowed home from Booth Hall Hospital on Monday, less than a week after being hit by a Citroen Saxo in Oswaldtwistle.

Initially the Rhyddings High School pupil was left in a critical condition when doctors found he was suffering from bruising on the brain as well as fractures to numerous bones in his arms, fingers and legs.

Ben’s full recovery is expected to take six months and he is not yet able to go to school.

Mum Sarah Whittle, 34, from Church, said: “He is out of hospital.

"Ben came home on Monday afternoon and so far everybody including doctors and the surgeons are really pleased with his recovery.”

The Year 10 student was hit as walked on the path alongside the Church and Oswaldtwistle railway station last Wednesday.

He lay on the ground screaming in agony and fellow pupil, Craig Reeves, 15, administered first aid. Craig checked Ben’s airway was clear then contacted the emergency services.

Ben’s mum had heard about the crash from her home a short distance away, and had ran to the scene to discover her son lying in the street.

Sarah said: “He was in a critical condition for the first 48 hours, his oxygen levels were dropping and he was wearing an oxygen mask.

“I’m relived he is out of hospital but I’m just worn out. It is physically draining.

“We have made a bedroom in the parlour.”

“Ben is doing physio exercise it’s a lot of hard work but he is coming on really well.”

And Sarah added: “I would like to give a very heart felt thanks to Craig for staying with him and making sure he was ok. He is a credit to his parents.”

The 26-year-old driver of the Saxo was arrested but released without charge.

Accrington police are still investigating the cause of the accident and have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 01254 51212.

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