Ellie Thornton Ellie Thornton

Our 11 year old daughter Ellie was involved in a serious road traffic accident on her way to school on Wednesday 22 March in Thakeham.  She was hit by a van, we believe as she crossed the Storrington Road (B2139) to reach her school bus stop. We know very little more about the actual circumstances.  The police are investigating and are appealing for witnesses. Please contact Sussex Police direct if you have any information, citing Operation Turquoise. 


She was taken by air ambulance to St Georges Hospital, London and was accompanied by her mother Kerry, and was in A&E very swiftly. 


Ben (her dad), Adrian (her step dad) and I (her step mother) all travelled as quickly as we could to the hospital. 


Ellie has suffered a severe brain injury, she has had two bleeds on the brain which have resulted in swelling which is now being monitored on the PICU at St Georges. She hasn't any other significant injuries, except for scratches and bruising apart from her brain injury.   She is being kept in a highly sedated state with life support to ensure all her energies are on her brain recovery. 


Day One has been incredibly traumatic, and we want to thank everyone who helped Ellie, and each of us to get where we needed to be.  Your support and kindness has been appreciated.  


We have all been with Ellie, taking turns to sit with her and keep talking to her.  She is sleeping very peacefully as her brain is dealing with this trauma.  She has had a second CT scan this afternoon which suggested she was much the same, with marginally less swelling, but we need to wait it out.


We have access to a relatives room, and Kerry and Ben have been accommodated close to Ellie on this first night.  We have been told not to expect much change throughout the night.


I am staying with a friend in Brixton and Adrian has travelled home for Ellie's sister Sophia, but will return tomorrow.


Felix is being cared for by Grandma and Grandad.  Sophia is also being cared for by her grandparents so they are both in good hands. 


We have had so many offers of help, but there is really very little anyone can do right now.  We will contact people direct if there is something we need. 


We want to keep everyone updated, and this website link was sent by a kind friend to help us manage this easily. 
  
I will write again as soon as I have news.



Vicky x 
PS Please dont donate to caring bridge - we want all support to go towards making the road safer where she got hurt.