The mum of a brave young girl hit by a bus in Whitehaven has praised the community for its overwhelming support.

Eleven-year-old Ellie Hammell suffered a fractured skull after being in a collision with a bus at the junction of Sneckyeat Road and Homewood Road, in Whitehaven, last month.

She has now returned home after three weeks of treatment at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

“Ellie is doing really well and hopefully back to school with her friends soon,” says Brigitta.

She says her daughter is back to her normal self, although she gets upset when she sees buses.

The youngster, a Jericho School pupil, is set to go for further hospital check-ups next week to monitor her progress. It is not known how long her recovery will take.

Brigitta has given heartfelt thanks to the community for its support. “I am overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness, good wishes and donations to Ellie,” she said.

The collision happened as Ellie crossed the road after getting an ice cream.

Brigitta thanked the emergency services for their help at the scene, as Ellie was airlifted to a high dependency unit in Liverpool.

She said: “I would like to thank Trish Skivington who sat with Ellie until I got there, the gentleman who put his coat over her to keep warm and the lady and gentleman who came for me and phoned my other daughter and Ellie’s dad.”

Following the incident, the community rallied to support Ellie and her family, raising funds online and at a fundraiser at Mirehouse Labour Club.

Brigitta said: “I would like to thank Charlie Maudling, Jayne Lainé, Tracey Bennett and Susan Haldane who arranged the Brave Ellie fund-raiser and JustGiving page; Jericho Primary School for raising money by learning about road safety; and my work colleagues at RPA.

“I would also like to thank my daughter’s friend’s dad, Stephen Brown, and his mates on the oil rigs. Also everyone who donated money to her through the JustGiving page, I really appreciate it.”

Cash of £3,242 has been raised to revamp Ellie’s bedroom and help her family.

Whitehaven Theatre Group, which Brigitta is part of, has also bought Ellie a television for her room.

“I would also like to thank my children Matthew and Charlotte and the rest of my family who have been there for us both since it happened,” said Brigitta.”