Brave little princess determined to walk again

Jun 26 2009 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

FORMER Segdoune Princess Rachel McLaughlan has been told she may never walk again.

But the bubbly 12-year-old is determined to strive to get back on her feet.

And her mum Linda said the messages of love and support from family and friends in Kilwinning are keeping everyone’s spirits up.

Pretty Kilwinning Academy pupil Rachel collapsed on her way to school six weeks ago and has been in Glasgow children’s hospital, Yorkhill, ever since. She has lost all feeling below her waist but proud mum Linda and dad Bobby, who is staying at the hospital with Rachel, says she is in awe of her daughter who already lost an eye last year.

“She really has been through the mill and I can honestly say, she never moans or gets down. She has shown great courage and strength,” said Linda.

“I would like to thank everyone at Corsehill Primary where I work and at Kilwinning Academy who have been great with visiting and offering us all support, it has made such a difference to Rachel and kept us all going.

“I must also offer special thanks to the staff at John Bennett’s undertakers who saw that Rachel had collapsed and rushed out to help her. They have shown continued support to all of us.

“We are not sure how long the paralysis will continue, at the moment we are looking at having the whole house adapted for a wheelchair. It’s a very worrying time for everyone.

“She’s an amazing wee girl and her spirits remain high, she’s determined to walk again and though we have been told she will be in hospital for the next five to six months, Rachel hasn’t moaned once, she’s a star.”