20.1.04
Belfast Telegraph
Christmas crash boy out of coma
By Jonathan McCambridge
jmccambridge@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
20 January 2004
Darren Shaw with some of the gifts he received from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
A BELFAST father today recounted the emotional moment when his son, seriously injured in a horrific car crash before Christmas, awoke from a life-threatening coma.
Michael Shaw is now looking forward to bringing 13-year-old son Darren home in the coming weeks as the teenager continues to make a remarkable recovery from the head injuries he suffered after being struck by an out of control car on the Springfield Road on December 19.
His brother, 11-year-old Christopher Shaw and eight-year-old Emma Lynch both lost their lives in the tragedy.
Darren, an avid Manchester United fan, has been boosted in his recovery by a personal message of support from Sir Alex Ferguson and an invite to Old Trafford.
Darren had battled for his life over the Christmas and New Year holiday as his family maintained a bedside vigil in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
His father Michael said: "It was a terrible Christmas for us with Christopher's funeral and Darren so ill; the doctors said it was touch and go for a while.
"However, he finally woke up about a week and a half ago and it was a massive relief for us all. They have said he is now out of danger.
"We have been here at his bedside the whole time and now this has given us a tremendous boost. Darren is very excited by the news that he will be travelling to watch Manchester United play in March."
The trip for the Shaw family has been organised by the Carryduff Manchester United Supporters Club who contacted manager Sir Alex Ferguson to tell them of Darren's plight.
Sir Alex sent Darren a letter which read: "I was sorry to hear that you are not feeling too well at the moment.
"I thought I would drop you a line to let you know that the players and myself are thinking about you and wishing you a quick recovery.
"I know that it might take some time and that you will have to be patient, so I do hope that you will listen to your doctors and hopefully it will not be too long before you are feeling better."
Christmas crash boy out of coma
By Jonathan McCambridge
jmccambridge@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
20 January 2004
Darren Shaw with some of the gifts he received from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
A BELFAST father today recounted the emotional moment when his son, seriously injured in a horrific car crash before Christmas, awoke from a life-threatening coma.
Michael Shaw is now looking forward to bringing 13-year-old son Darren home in the coming weeks as the teenager continues to make a remarkable recovery from the head injuries he suffered after being struck by an out of control car on the Springfield Road on December 19.
His brother, 11-year-old Christopher Shaw and eight-year-old Emma Lynch both lost their lives in the tragedy.
Darren, an avid Manchester United fan, has been boosted in his recovery by a personal message of support from Sir Alex Ferguson and an invite to Old Trafford.
Darren had battled for his life over the Christmas and New Year holiday as his family maintained a bedside vigil in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
His father Michael said: "It was a terrible Christmas for us with Christopher's funeral and Darren so ill; the doctors said it was touch and go for a while.
"However, he finally woke up about a week and a half ago and it was a massive relief for us all. They have said he is now out of danger.
"We have been here at his bedside the whole time and now this has given us a tremendous boost. Darren is very excited by the news that he will be travelling to watch Manchester United play in March."
The trip for the Shaw family has been organised by the Carryduff Manchester United Supporters Club who contacted manager Sir Alex Ferguson to tell them of Darren's plight.
Sir Alex sent Darren a letter which read: "I was sorry to hear that you are not feeling too well at the moment.
"I thought I would drop you a line to let you know that the players and myself are thinking about you and wishing you a quick recovery.
"I know that it might take some time and that you will have to be patient, so I do hope that you will listen to your doctors and hopefully it will not be too long before you are feeling better."
