Rebecca's story

One moment Rebecca Coles was a lively, pretty teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a professional dancer, the next she was fighting for her life.

A fun day out being towed behind a speedboat on an inflatable ring turned to disaster for Rebecca when she hit the side of another boat and was knocked unconscious. She was rushed to hospital where doctors fought to save her.

Rebecca’s mum and dad, Julie and Steve of Essex, were terrified about what the future might hold for their beautiful daughter who was suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The devastating accident robbed her of her hopes and ambitions, and left her life teetering on a knife’s edge.

Rebecca underwent operations to remove part of her skull and fit a titanium plate. The left side of her body was severely affected, as though she had suffered a stroke, and her mum and dad were told she might never walk again.

Julie and Steve feared the worst – and hoped for the best. These were lonely days in which the family desperately needed a helping hand.

That helping hand came in the form of WellChild Children’s Nurse Laura. Her caring and professionalism have made her a tower of strength for Rebecca and her family. Laura has helped the family find the courage to cope during Rebecca’s long fight to get better.

When she was well enough, Laura helped Rebecca to get a place at a fantastic rehabilitation centre and showed her parents how to care for her at home. She can now walk with the aid of a frame and has even dared to dream of dancing again one day.

Rebecca’s mum Julie said: “I don’t know how we would have managed without Laura’s help. We would have really struggled without the support of such a caring and professional individual.”