Accident leaves girl, 9, confined to bed

Holly Ann Archer before the accident

By Roger Wong

 

Nine-year-old Holly Ann Archer, though confined to her bed, cheerfully sings nursery rhymes and recites prayers she remembers from Sunday school. Without prompting, she might also randomly tell you stories about her favourite school teacher or her friends. This has been her life since she was hit by a speeding car over a month ago, while the driver responsible was released on $50,000 station bail. Her family, now struggling to make ends meet, fears that the man will never be charged.

Holly, a Grade Four Novar Primary School student, sustained a fractured skull as well as a fractured leg in the accident. Injuries to her head and neck have also resulted in one of the child’s eyes appearing to be turned. But her relatives say she also has a swollen brain and has appeared to be manic since the accident