Glasgow lorry crash victim takes first steps

THE parents of the youngest victim of the Glasgow bin lorry crash have revealed their pride after their “wee fighter” took her first steps since she was injured.

Picture: Robert Perry

Alix Stewart, 14, was struck by the out of control council vehicle on Queen Street last Monday, suffering broken bones and organ damage. Her family have been amazed by her rapid battle back to fitness.

The teen’s mum, Jacqueline, from Kilmalcolm, Inverclyde, said: “It is amazing how well she is doing considering how she was last week.

“We were so happy on Monday when she managed to sit up for the first time and watch a film with us but we couldn’t believe it yesterday when the physiotherapist called us in to see her on her feet.

“She managed about 50 yards and, I have say, there were tears of joy.”

Alix, a third year pupil and talented basketball player at Gryffe High School, Houston, was in Glasgow City Centre Christmas shopping with Jacqueline, 43, and big sister Emily, 16 when disaster struck.

Dad Colin, 48, said: “Alix is usually fit as a fiddle and I think the fact she was so fit before has really helped her. But she has also just been so brave, despite what she remembers about the accident. She’s very close to Emily and that has helped her but she’s just remarkable.

“She is strong. She is a brave wee fighter.”

In total Alix underwent six hours of emergency surgery and spent 24 hours in intensive care on a ventilator at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Jacqueline added: “When her friend phoned and said there had been an accident with a rubbish truck I assumed it was one of those little street sweepers.

“I couldn’t understand why there were so many emergency vehicles and so much fuss.

“When I realised what had happened I just had to bite down the panic because I had Emily with me. We were told Alix was in one of the first ambulances going to the Royal Infirmary but we didn’t know for sure.”

Meanwhile, dad Colin, who had heard about the crash on the radio, was frantically calling Alix’s phone to try and find her.

The 48-year-old added: “I think I called Alix’s phone about 30 times. You just expect your daughter to answer. When she didn’t I turned the car and headed straight to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.”

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