When 14-year-old Tilly Smith broke her neck diving into a swimming pool two months ago, doctors didn’t know how much – if any – function she would regain in her arms and legs.
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Now, through hard work and determination, Tilly can wiggle her toes and move her right leg.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” Tilly’s mother Fiona said.
“She’s all excited and goes ‘mum, watch this’ and will rock her leg a little.
“She calls it her little dance.”
Her bright smile is well-known around the hospital and she doesn’t mind bringing joy to others.
“When a nurse comes in that Tilly hasn’t seen in a while, she’ll show off the movement in her leg,” Fiona said.
“It’s like a new party trick.”
The news got even better for the family.
She received her new electric wheelchair on Friday.
“The chair will be great for Tilly and she’s really excited about it,” Fiona said.
Tilly still has a long way to go and her stay in hospital won’t be a short one, but you can be assured of one thing, she’s not taking it easy.
“The school teachers have been down here, helping her with her homework and making sure she’s keeping up,” Fiona said.
“Tilly jokes she’s here for a holiday, not school.”
The process is even starting to begin for when Tilly is well enough to return home.
On Monday, people are going to the Smith family home to see what modifications need to be made for Tilly’s arrival.
A bank account has been set up specifically to field donations for Tilly.
To donate, the details are: BSB – 062548 – and the account number is – 10567463.
If you would like to send Tilly a message of support, text her on 0458 132 997.
Tilly is truly coming along in leaps and bounds, her mum said. At the start of April – less than a month after the accident – she gained control of where her arms were going and even managed a little movement in her right middle finger.