A spirited young girl who suffered horrific injuries in a freak horse accident has blossomed into a promising athlete with a bright future.
Amber Rose Blyth, 11, has represented Billericay's Quilters Junior School in the district sports day for the second year running.
Her progress is remarkable as she was left with major head injuries after being trampled on by a horse when she was four-years-old.
Proud mother Jeanette said she was 'over the moon' with her daughter's achievements and hopes she may act as an inspiration to others. She added: "Every mum is proud of their kids when they do something, but this is just a little bit special."
Amber Rose was playing in the garden of her home in Little Burstead, where she then lived, when a horse from a paddock at the rear of the house jumped over the fence and trampled on her.
Doctors gave her a 50-50 chance of survival and she spent about four months in hospital and six months in a wheelchair.
The accident left her with epilepsy and learning difficulties. Jeanette, who ran a clothes shop in Shenfield, gave up work to nurse her daughter back to health.
But Amber Rose, who moved from Billericay to Benfleet last year, has proved to a be a real battler and has succeeded against the odds.
She has been running for about two years and also plays netball. Her learning difficulties are improving and Jeanette said she is 'gradually getting up to the mental stage of her own age group.'
Published Tuesday July 20, 2004
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