A little boy left fighting for life after a devastating crash that killed his mum and three others has enjoyed Christmas at home.
Brave Arran Martin, seven, was discharged from the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on December 10. The schoolboy, from Glasgow, had been airlifted to the facility in England after the fatal collision on the M6 in Cumbria on October 15.
He was placed in an induced-coma and only recently regained consciousness after weeks in hospital. His mum Jade McEnroe, 33, her partner Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, and his two children Filip, 15, and Dominic, seven, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene 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 tragedy took place.
Arran was the sole survivor of the crash and spent nearly two months recovering in hospital with dad, Andy, by his bedside “day and night”. After making an “amazing recovery“, heartwarming images shared with the Record show Arran unwrapping his presents from Santa at home on Christmas Day.
A family friend told the Record: “Arran is home now and has enjoyed Christmas with his loved ones after making an amazing recovery. The emergency service workers are heroes for saving his life.
“He would never have recovered if they didn’t act so quickly and bravely. We are all so thankful to them.”
Another tear-jerking picture shows Arran standing by a Christmas tree with a beaming smile on his face on his last day in hospital earlier this month. The family friend added: “We’re all blown away by his recovery and we’re delighted he has got back home after all of this.”
An online fundraiser set up to support dad Andy and family 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 at the time of the tragedy, 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.”
She was also described as a “devoted mother with the warmest smile” by her colleagues at The Gin Spa in Glasgow.
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 earlier this month.
To donate to the online fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-arrans-recovery
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