A teenager who survived a horrific motocross accident has spent the day as an air traffic controller, as part of Make-A-Wish.
Anna Neville, from Cookstown, suffered injury to every part of her brain after coming off her bike at the event.
The youngster was placed in an induced medical coma as soon as paramedics arrived, to prevent further medical damage.
Read more: NI schoolgirl defies the odds after accident left her family praying for miracle
"It was the day after her 11 th birthday," Anna’s mum Grace said.
"I was hoping she’d want to go for a girly spa day, but she just wanted to be with her brothers who were going to Magilligan Moto X track near Limavady. She was so excited to spend the day on her bike. They were just on their second set of laps when everything went wrong.
"I ran over to find blood pouring from her ears, nose and mouth. It was awful, so awful. Her eyes were rolling back in her head. I didn’t know what to do. Nobody did.."
Anna was airlifted to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, with neither parent permitted to accompany her.
Due to the extent of injury, Anna was not expected to survive, and remained in a highly critical condition for over 72 hours.
In February 2020, she defied the odds and was able to return home to continue her recovery surrounded by family.
Grace continued: "She has never given up on her dream to be an air traffic controller and even in hospital, she would lie in her bed listening to the planes fly out of Belfast City.
"It was one of the only things she would react to. When Make-A-Wish told Anna that they could help make that wish come true, she just had the biggest smile on her face.
Anna’s wish came true on March 19, 2022, and she travelled to Dublin Airport with her brothers Benjamin and David in true VIP style in a limousine provided by the charity.
There she was able to visit the air traffic control tower in a personalised guided tour and enjoy a front-seat view of the planes taking off.
Now aged 13, Anna continues to suffer from fatigue and memory loss on a daily basis however, she has continued to defy medical expectations by returning to full-time education.
Over two years on from the accident, the family now concentrate on appreciating each day as it comes.
"It’s given us a new perspective on life," Grace said.
"You just appreciate the little things. We appreciate all the good days now, and Anna’s wish coming true was a very, very good day."
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive at Make-A-Wish UK, said: "When Anna suffered her tragic accident at just 11-years-old, the joy of childhood was brought to an abrupt end with uncertainty, physiotherapy and hospital appointments taking over. Anna’s wish to be an Air Traffic Controller has broadened her horizons after her recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
"With 36 children waiting in Northern Ireland alone, we need to raise at least £90,000 to help clear the Wish Map in Northern Ireland by World Wish Day on April 29 2022. Children like Anna deserve to feel the wonder and joy of childhood once again after overcoming unthinkable trauma.
"By donating today online you have the power to light up the darkness for more children like Anna."
Read more: Dungannon sisters on tackling diabetes together ahead of ‘Walk For Life’
Read more: Co Tyrone man tells how wife saved his life after cardiac arrest
For the latest breaking Co Tyrone news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
