DRIVING TEST SUCCESS FOR OMAGH BOMB VICTIM
DRIVING TEST SUCCESS FOR OMAGH BOMB VICTIM
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
A LEADING orthopaedic consultant has praised the determination of a young Omagh bomb victim who passed her test just six months after losing a leg in the blast.
Altnagelvin Hospital specialist Richard Wray said news that Suzanne Kelly had thrown away her 'L' plates had not surprised him, considering the resilience she demonstrated while recovering from her injuries.
The consultant was speaking after the young university student passed her examination in a manual car which required no special modifications.
Mr Wray who was one of the consultants involved in the young victim's care and treatment said he was not at all surprised at Suzanne's progress.
"Suzanne's determination not to be held back by her very serious injuries was obvious.
"She spoke of her intention to complete her university course and to get on with her life as quickly as she could.
"She is obviously doing just that and she is an inspiration to everyone involved in the treatment of the Omagh injured."
Suzanne was due to sit her driving test at the end of August. But at that time she lay seriously injured after suffering horrific injuries in the Market Street bombing.
This week she told the 'Herald' she was "over the moon" at passing her test.
"I felt very nervous setting off in the car but once I got going I soon settled down.
"Although I had been taking lessons once a week from last November, I didn't really feel all that confident on the morning of the test.
"I still can't believe I've achieved it. But now that I've got the licence, I won't have to depend on others to the same extent to get around."
Suzanne now plans to return to Liverpool Hope University College at the end of this month to continue with her teaching studies.
Throughout her recovery period, staff at the college kept her in touch with lectures, in order that she could continue with her course.
"I will be taking the car with me to Liverpool because it would be difficult to catch a bus every morning from my accommodation to the college.
"I am really looking forward to returning to my studies and I have been promised lots of help from the other girls who share my accommodation" she added.
Driving instructor, John Conway from Ashbourne Heights said his pupil's achievement had made him feel "very proud".
The school of motoring instructor said the fact that Suzanne had decided to carry on with her driving lessons after suffering severe injuries in the bombing had been a "very courageous decision indeed."
"With injuries like hers, she could so easily have given up altogether.
"But she put a lot of effort into the lessons and although she struggled at the start, she soon overcame her handicap.
"As her instructor, she made me feel very proud when I heard she had passed the test" he added.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
A LEADING orthopaedic consultant has praised the determination of a young Omagh bomb victim who passed her test just six months after losing a leg in the blast.
Altnagelvin Hospital specialist Richard Wray said news that Suzanne Kelly had thrown away her 'L' plates had not surprised him, considering the resilience she demonstrated while recovering from her injuries.
The consultant was speaking after the young university student passed her examination in a manual car which required no special modifications.
Mr Wray who was one of the consultants involved in the young victim's care and treatment said he was not at all surprised at Suzanne's progress.
"Suzanne's determination not to be held back by her very serious injuries was obvious.
"She spoke of her intention to complete her university course and to get on with her life as quickly as she could.
"She is obviously doing just that and she is an inspiration to everyone involved in the treatment of the Omagh injured."
Suzanne was due to sit her driving test at the end of August. But at that time she lay seriously injured after suffering horrific injuries in the Market Street bombing.
This week she told the 'Herald' she was "over the moon" at passing her test.
"I felt very nervous setting off in the car but once I got going I soon settled down.
"Although I had been taking lessons once a week from last November, I didn't really feel all that confident on the morning of the test.
"I still can't believe I've achieved it. But now that I've got the licence, I won't have to depend on others to the same extent to get around."
Suzanne now plans to return to Liverpool Hope University College at the end of this month to continue with her teaching studies.
Throughout her recovery period, staff at the college kept her in touch with lectures, in order that she could continue with her course.
"I will be taking the car with me to Liverpool because it would be difficult to catch a bus every morning from my accommodation to the college.
"I am really looking forward to returning to my studies and I have been promised lots of help from the other girls who share my accommodation" she added.
Driving instructor, John Conway from Ashbourne Heights said his pupil's achievement had made him feel "very proud".
The school of motoring instructor said the fact that Suzanne had decided to carry on with her driving lessons after suffering severe injuries in the bombing had been a "very courageous decision indeed."
"With injuries like hers, she could so easily have given up altogether.
"But she put a lot of effort into the lessons and although she struggled at the start, she soon overcame her handicap.
"As her instructor, she made me feel very proud when I heard she had passed the test" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1212
Published Date: 18-Feb-99
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