Menu
03/11/2005
Abigail Witchalls finally returns home
Abigail Witchalls, the young mother who was left paralysed after a stabbing attack, has finally been released from hospital.
Mrs Witchalls, 26, was stabbed in the neck as she walked along a lane in Little Bookham, Surrey, on April 20, with her toddler son Joseph.
Abigail, who is pregnant, was left paralysed by the attack and it was initially feared that she might not survive her injuries. However, her condition began to improve while she was being treated at the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north London.
In a statement, the hospital said that Abigail was “delighted” to be going home. They said that she was able to breathe and speak freely and also had recovered some movement in her right arm.
The statement said: “Abigail has tetraplegia, which means she is severely disabled and will continue to need ongoing therapy and nursing care.
“It is expected that her initial stay at home will be temporary as she will soon need to be admitted to a maternity hospital as her pregnancy comes to term.”
The hospital said that Abigail’s home had been specially adapted to cater for her needs and confirmed that she would receive 24-hour NHS care.
Abigail has not yet received any criminal injury compensation, the hospital said, and her family has established a trust fund to cover additional long-term care expenses.
(KMcA/SP)
Mrs Witchalls, 26, was stabbed in the neck as she walked along a lane in Little Bookham, Surrey, on April 20, with her toddler son Joseph.
Abigail, who is pregnant, was left paralysed by the attack and it was initially feared that she might not survive her injuries. However, her condition began to improve while she was being treated at the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north London.
In a statement, the hospital said that Abigail was “delighted” to be going home. They said that she was able to breathe and speak freely and also had recovered some movement in her right arm.
The statement said: “Abigail has tetraplegia, which means she is severely disabled and will continue to need ongoing therapy and nursing care.
“It is expected that her initial stay at home will be temporary as she will soon need to be admitted to a maternity hospital as her pregnancy comes to term.”
The hospital said that Abigail’s home had been specially adapted to cater for her needs and confirmed that she would receive 24-hour NHS care.
Abigail has not yet received any criminal injury compensation, the hospital said, and her family has established a trust fund to cover additional long-term care expenses.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2004
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
29 April 2005
Police granted more time to question Abigail suspect
Surrey police have been granted more time to question a 25-year-old man in connection with the stabbing of Abigail Witchalls last week. The man was arrested on Wednesday evening in Croydon, south London and is being held in custody at Staines police station. Police will now be able to question him until Saturday morning.
Police granted more time to question Abigail suspect
Surrey police have been granted more time to question a 25-year-old man in connection with the stabbing of Abigail Witchalls last week. The man was arrested on Wednesday evening in Croydon, south London and is being held in custody at Staines police station. Police will now be able to question him until Saturday morning.
04 May 2005
Abigail transferred to spinal injuries unit
Abigail Witchalls, the young mother who was stabbed in the neck in a horrific attack two weeks ago, has been transferred to a specialist spinal injuries unit. The 26-year-old had been in St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south London since the attack, which left her paralysed.
Abigail transferred to spinal injuries unit
Abigail Witchalls, the young mother who was stabbed in the neck in a horrific attack two weeks ago, has been transferred to a specialist spinal injuries unit. The 26-year-old had been in St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south London since the attack, which left her paralysed.
11 November 2005
Baby joy for Abigail Witchalls
Abigail Witchalls, who was left paralysed after being stabbed in the neck earlier this year, has given birth to a baby boy. Abigail 26, gave birth to the baby at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south London, on Friday afternoon.
Baby joy for Abigail Witchalls
Abigail Witchalls, who was left paralysed after being stabbed in the neck earlier this year, has given birth to a baby boy. Abigail 26, gave birth to the baby at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south London, on Friday afternoon.
30 June 2005
Stabbing victim Abigail continues to recover
Stabbing victim Abigail Witchalls’ condition is continuing to improve, doctors have said. The 26-year-old, who was left paralysed after being stabbed in the neck in Little Bookham, Surrey, in April, is receiving treatment at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Stabbing victim Abigail continues to recover
Stabbing victim Abigail Witchalls’ condition is continuing to improve, doctors have said. The 26-year-old, who was left paralysed after being stabbed in the neck in Little Bookham, Surrey, in April, is receiving treatment at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
