Ski accident schoolboy back in the UK
A nine-year-old boy who suffered serious injuries after being knocked down by a skier while on a family holiday in the Pyrenees was back in the UK today.
Brook Hill, who attends The White House School in Whitchurch, was enjoying a beginners' skiing lesson at the Les Monts d'Olmes ski resort in the Pyrenees, south France, when he was knocked unconscious by a 27-year-old man who lost control and ploughed into him at high speed.
His entrepreneur father Louis Hill said Brook had flown into Heathrow airport yesterday and was immediately transferred by ambulance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
The sports-mad youngster had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Toulouse since the collision which happened on February 17.
Mr Hill said: "Brook is back in the UK and has arrived at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
"He headed back with his mum and he is now being assessed by the doctors there to see what treatment he needs.
"He is likely to stay in for a good few weeks but it is absolutely great to have been in the UK and makes life a lot easier because the commute to France for me has been tough."
Brook was on holiday with his mum Rachael, dad, and brother Barney, 12.
Last week he underwent an operation to re-insert part of his skull which was taken out to alleviate pressure caused by bruising.
Mr Hill, of Wrenbury, said: "The operation went really, really well.
"It's actually quite a straightforward operation and they managed to put the bone back in place.
"The doctors continue to be amazed by his progress.
"In France they are referring to him as the miracle boy because he is doing so well.
"His brain has forgotten a lot of things so he is having to re-learn a lot of the basics but he is walking and talking and eating like a horse.
"The good thing is that before the accident he was a fit and healthy young man.
"They is really helping him with his recovery.
"That said, there is still along way to go but we couldn't hope for more than he's doing. His fighting spirit is really pulling him through."
The youngster has been inundated with messages from well-wishers including his hero, the Welsh international rugby full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
And the latest stars to send their support include actors Sir Ian McKellen and Daniel Radcliffe and chat show host Jonathan Ross.
Mr Hill added: "The support we have had has been fantastic.
"We are very grateful and overwhelmed by it all and it is really helping Brook."
