A boy who survived a horror crash that killed his mum and three others will be home for Christmas.
Arran Martin, seven, was left fighting for life after the fatal collision on the M6 in Cumbria on October 15. His dad Andy Martin shared a tear-jerking picture of Arran clutching a Santa hat and beaming for the camera while taking his first steps outside of hospital this week.
The schoolboy, from Glasgow, was in a coma for several weeks and recently regained consciousness. His mum Jade McEnroe, 33, her partner Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, and his two children Filip, 15, and Dominic, seven, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Tebay services.
The driver of the other car, Richard Woods, 40, from Cambridgeshire, also died. Arran and his family had been driving home to Glasgow from Legoland in their Toyota when the crash took place.
Arran was the sole survivor and spent several weeks recovering in hospital in Newcastle with dad Andy by his bedside. The schoolboy is set to return to Scotland in the coming days and will spend Christmas at home after an “amazing recovery”.
A family friend told the Record: “Arran has been out of hospital walking about for the first time in seven weeks. Everything going well he will be checking out very soon – and in time for Christmas. He’s still struggling and in a lot of pain. But it’s looking promising he will be back in Scotland in the coming days.
“We’re all blown away by his recovery and we’re delighted he will be able to get back home after all of this.”
Last week Arran’s loved ones dubbed emergency service workers and NHS staff “living heroes” for saving his life.
They added: “Arran’s recovery is amazing. He’s just had a major skin graft. We can’t believe the progress he has made in a short space of time. It’s an absolute miracle and the doctors and emergency service workers are living heroes.”
An online fundraiser set up to support the family and to go towards Andy’s transport between Scotland and England and any adaptations of their home, has since surpassed over £11,000.
A message from the family read: “This fund is specifically for Arran, who by miracle, is the only survivor of this crash and to help his dad out during this time. As Arran bravely fights through his recovery, we want to ensure his dad can remain by his side every day without the added worry of financial pressures.”
Meanwhile Jade, was remembered as a “much-loved mummy” by her devastated loved ones.
In a statement released through Cumbria Police, Jade’s family said: “Our beloved daughter Jade, you are so loved, and we will miss you every day. You are a very much-loved mummy to Arran.”
Her colleagues at The Gin Spa in Glasgow described Jade as a “devoted mother with the warmest smile”.
Writing online, management at the spa said: “Jade was the kindest soul and a devoted mother, and her devastating loss will undoubtedly be felt by many people. Our thoughts are with Jade’s family.”
In a heartbreaking tribute to schoolboys Filip and Dominic, their mum, Kamilla, said her life “will never be the same again” following the deaths of both of her children.
She said: “We are heartbroken at the passing of our beloved angels – Filip and Dominic. Filip was very intelligent, sensitive and full of love. We will never forget his smile, open arms, and the words “tuli, tuli” (hugs, hugs). He was fascinated by computer games but also incredibly good at chess. He loved chemistry and dreamed of studying at the University of Glasgow.
“Dominic was always smiling, very resolute and sociable. He was extremely caring, always thinking of others first, and the first to help if someone was in trouble. Always surrounded by a group of friends of all ages. He loved dinosaurs and Pokémon, but most of all he loved penguins and dreamed of adopting one. Our lives will never be the same again.”
Filip and Dominic’s father, Jaroslaw, who worked at Wagamama in Silverburn shopping centre, was remembered as a “cherished chef and friend” by the chain’s CEO, Thomas Heier.
Mr Heier said: “His warmth, dedication and kindness are the characteristics of Jaroslaw that will stay with the team long after his passing. We send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, for which we know he was deeply devoted to.”
Police in Cumbria confirmed the case is now with the coronial process. An inquest opened last week.
Donate to the online fundraiser here.
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