A young girl left with a fractured skull after being hit by a bus is making an amazing recovery.

Brigitta Hammell has spoken for the first time about the devastating incident involving her daughter Ellie last week – and how the community has rallied to support the family.

Eleven-year-old Ellie was hit by a bus on the junction of Sneckyeat Road and Homewood Road in Whitehaven last Wednesday after going for an ice-cream.

She was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven by ambulance before being airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool where she is still being treated.

Brigitta said her daughter is suffering from “bruises on the brain and a linear fracture to the base of her skull”.

Ellie has now been transferred from the high dependency unit at Alder Hey to a normal hospital ward.

“She has come on amazing,” said Brigitta. “She’s walking up and down, she’s eating and drinking.

“In a few days, it’s amazing what she’s come through.”

Brigitta has now thanked the community for rallying around to support the family.

Family friend Susan Haldane has set up a Crowdfunding page to raise £3,000 which will be used to help towards the family’s additional costs.

Donations are pouring in and almost £1,400 has been raised so far.

“I’m so overwhelmed. I can’t believe people have been so generous,” said Brigitta.

“There are so many lovely people in Whitehaven and beyond.”

She said thanks go to many people: those who have donated; the medical staff who have helped Ellie; and pupils at Jericho School where Ellie attends, for their cards and good wishes.

Susan is calling on people to support Ellie and her family.

She said: “Whitehaven and the surrounding area is a passionate community and we want to show this family that we are all thinking of them and all sending our prayers and thoughts.”

She added: “I want to thank everyone that has donated so far to help this cause.”

A fundraising event is being held at the Mirehouse Labour Club on Thursday, March 23 from 7pm, including a raffle, tombola and bingo.

People can hand in raffle prizes or gifts to Threads in Whitehaven.

Tickets for the fundraiser are free but donations are welcome.

Contact Threads or Charles Maudling on 01946 822379 or go to Brave Ellie’s Fundraising Group on Facebook for more details.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/elliehammell