MANCHESTER bombing victim Laura MacIntyre has been transferred to a hospital in Glasgow as her recovery continues.
The 15-year-old is said to be making “good progress” her parents said, after suffering serious hand and leg injuries in the terror attack.
Laura, from Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, was at the Ariana Grande concert with her friend Eilidh MacLeod. The Castlebay Community School pupils were reported missing after they failed to get in touch with family following the explosion at Manchester Arena.
It was later confirmed Eilidh was among the dead while Laura was found in hospital.
Michael and Nan MacIntyre said their daughter is now one step closer to home and they thanked people in Manchester for their help, particularly a man who stayed with Laura in the aftermath of the bombing.
In a statement, Laura’s parents said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Manchester and in particular all those who have done so much to help Laura and our family.
“The kindness and care started from the first moments after the bombing when a young Travel Safe officer held Laura’s hand and comforted her for an hour while she waited for treatment. We believe he helped save Laura’s life that night and he will always be a hero to our family.
“Since then, he has been to visit Laura in hospital and it was a privilege to meet him and thank him in person.”
The family also thanked medical staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
“We couldn’t wish for a more dedicated, kind and professional group of people,” the family said.
“We’d also like to thank Greater Manchester Police and Police Scotland for their support.
“Loganair Glasgow and Dolina at the airport in Barra have also been fantastic, helping fly family members to and from Manchester.
“We’d also like to thank Ronald McDonald House for providing accommodation during our time in the city.
“Finally, we’d like to thank Michael’s employers, Marine Harvest, for their patience and help.
“All these people and organisations have made a big difference during a very traumatic time and we will always be grateful.
“Laura continues to make good progress in her recovery but it will be a long process. Her hand and leg injuries are significant but we are glad that she has been able to move to Glasgow.
“She is now one step closer to eventually returning home to Barra, from where we have received enormous love and support.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here