The worried family of a schoolgirl who suffered a life-threatening brain injury after allegedly being “dropped on her head” fear she may never be the same again. Neeka Atkinson was reportedly approached and picked up by a boy at the Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull on July 8 before falling head first onto concrete.
The 13-year-old’s loved ones say she has endured something “no person should ever have to go through” after being left temporarily paralysed down one side. The Mirror reports that the teenager is now undergoing rehabilitation and has been able to take her first steps while also being allowed home on a part-time basis.
Big sister Alisha Atkinson gave an update saying her sibling is now being moved back to Hull and is progressing in her recovery. She said: “Neeka is being moved back to Hull to be closer to family and to continue her rehabilitation here and go back and forth to Leeds to see a specialist.
"She's had her staples and stitches taken out now and has a big scar, bless her, but she's coming on every single day. Her left arm and leg still need a lot of time to get back to normal but she's fighting it every single day.
"People have to remember that as everything has gone quiet, due to us focusing on Neeka's recovery, as well as balancing our lives alongside travelling back and forth to Leeds, she will never be the same person again.
"She was in a coma fighting for her life only two weeks ago and she has not just physically but mentally endured something that no person, never mind a young girl, should ever have to go through. Keep this in mind when you hear half a story.
"Thank you again for all your ongoing support and kind messages, it really hasn't gone unnoticed."
The people of Hull and beyond have rallied together to raise £11,612 so far to fund her full recovery and any equipment and travel fees- which can still be donated to. Family friend Barbie Taylor has encouraged people to mark today (July 23) as "Neeka's Day" and wear blue, the colour to represent brain injury, in solidarity.
A teenage boy was arrested by Humberside Police and later released in connection with the incident which caused Neeka's injuries. On Friday, under police advice, Archbishop Sentamu Academy was closed early after a protest by students against bullying.
It came after a damning Ofsted report revealed serious concerns about the behaviour of pupils at the school where one in five children have been suspended this year.
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