Proud mum tells of son’s bravery

The mother of a Shropshire boy who, against the odds, survived a shooting accident has spoken of her “remarkable little boy”.

David Whalley, from Cheswardine, near Market Drayton was given a seven per cent chance of survival after he was shot in the head with an airgun in November last year.

The eight-year-old underwent major surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and spent four weeks in a coma, with doctors uncertain he would pull through.

But David, who returned home two weeks ago, is well on the road to recovery, and has vowed not to rest until he is back in goal for his school football team.

The youngster has also been nominated for a Shropshire Star Pride of Shropshire award for his bravery and courage.

David’s mum Angela Whalley said David sustained no brain damage in the ordeal, and hopes to be back at Hinstock Primary School within weeks, although he has some mobility problems.

“I nominated David because of the courage he has shown, he really is a remarkable little boy,” she said.

“They gave him a seven per cent chance of survival, and then they were not sure how he would be if he did pull through, but there is no brain damage.

“He is talking fine, although he has some disability in his right arm and he is not walking much yet.

“I’m always telling him that he’s brave and he keeps saying ‘no I’m not, accidents happen mum and I have just got to get on with it’.”

She is now planning to hold an auction, along with family friend Claire Dunn. The auction, which will raise money to be split between the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and equipment for David, will take place on February 29 at Hinstock School, from 7pm.

For more details of the auction, or to donate a prize, call Claire on 07955777551.

l Do you know of someone who deserves nominating for a Pride of Shropshire award? Log onto www.shropshirestar.com/pride for details.