A teenager, who was in a coma for two weeks after being allegedly struck by a car, has woken up in hospital.
Naomi Ahmad, 19, of the Coldside area, suffered a serious head injury and multiple broken bones when she was involved in a collision in Byron Street, Dundee.
She lay unconscious for nearly two weeks in Ninewells Hospital.
Naomi’s mum, Roxan, 43, has spoken of her relief that the repercussions weren’t as grave as she had expected.
She said: “I am just grateful that my wee girl is still alive.
“It was like the whole weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders when she woke up.
“She came round on Wednesday but she was still pretty much out of it because of all the painkillers and medication.
“I can’t describe the relief I felt when she woke up — she is such a fighter.
“It is a mother’s nightmare but at least it didn’t turn out as bad as it could have.
“My biggest worry was that she wouldn’t be herself when she woke up.
“Because my kids have had accidents in the past, and have head injuries, I know a lot about what to expect but even that doesn’t prepare you.
“She can’t remember anything from the week that it happened — nothing at all. With head injuries, they often start at their worst point, memory wise, and get better over time so it is really good news that she is only missing a week.”
Naomi, who works as a bartender and studies beauty and make-up at Dundee and Angus College, has had a metal plate fitted in her right leg — both her legs were broken — and has had a skin graft.
She also underwent surgery to repair extensive damage to her fingers.
Roxan said doctors expect her to be okay to return home in a week but she will require round-the-clock care for at least eight weeks and plastic surgery to repair scarring on her body for the next two years.
In the past, the Ahmad family have had to deal with other accidents.
In 2005, Naomi and her brother Jordan, who were nine and ten at the time, suffered serious injuries in a car crash.
Two years ago, Roxan’s daughter Nadia, 23, fell from a window, suffering spinal injuries which left her wheelchair-bound.
Roxan added: “I know what is ahead because of what happened in the past. It is going to be hard work. She will need me to do everything for her for a while.
“I ended up with depression from bottling everything in the last time. This time I have been able to cry, so I think I will be able to cope with it better.
“She only had six weeks left of her college course and was looking forward to the next stage. I think she just wants to get started on her recovery as soon as possible.”
A man has been charged in connection with the incident.