Family delighted at Scott’s progress

THE family of Scott Vineer, who still lies in a coma seven weeks after a brutal attack in the city left him fighting for his life, say they are amazed and delighted at the 17-year-old’s progress.

Autism sufferer Scott, can now open his eyes, has started to smile and is even now reacting to voices. However, doctors say that though small signs, they still cannot determine when the teenager will ever waken up.

It has also been revealed this week that Scott, according to doctors is suffering from a twisted vertebrae and is now on a brace. He can be hoisted onto a special chair to enable him to sit up in bed each day and will remain on a brace for six weeks to realign his vertebrae. Without it, his legs and back will be affected if they are not put right.

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The family say that they are delighted at the support they have received since the attack.

“They are so grateful for all the support that has been given to them and their kind messages,” said events organiser of the Lisburn branch of Autism Northern Ireland charity Anne Hayward.

“They would like to say a big thank you to his colleagues and friends who have worked very hard sending him get well messages and pictures for Scott.

“They have been given the loan of an ipad to show them to Scott for which they are very grateful.”

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Anne, and secretary of the local branch Paula McClinton have set up a special fund for Scott. It is a joint bank account and anyone wanting to place donations for the fund for Scott can so do.

The account is in the First Trust, account number 09074078 and sort code is 93-83-35.

“When we heard about Scott, we are mothers ourselves of children with autism, we just wanted to do something to help,” said mum Anne whose 12-year-old son Ben suffers from autism.

“Scott was a member of the group for a year and he joined first when his family came over from England. We would have met him and his mother at fun days or Christmas parties.

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“We all fear for our kids because we do not know what the future will hold for our children at 17. It is very worrying. My son is only 12 and just thinking of him at 17 is worrying me. He has no sense of danger.”

Scott’s college and school friends are also keen to donate money. Friends from the Mencap course he was studying at South East Regional College are organising a bun sale.

Meanwhile his former school Brookfield have organised a non uniform day where pupils will donate £1 and all the money will go towards the fund.

The autism branch at their recent fun day held a banner with the words ‘Get Well Soon Scott’.

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Paula, whose seven year old Thomas suffers from autism and who attends Brookfield said, “We are just two volunteers in the charity that just want to help,

“Our charity is very parent-led and what has happened to Scott has affected us all.

“Everyone is so disgusted at what happened especially parents who have children suffering from autism.”

The group hold their monthly meeting at the Trinity Methodist Church at 7.30pm on the first Monday of every month, They also hold special fun days on the last Saturday of every month at the Lisburn Leisureplex.

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