A talented young footballer who was critically wounded when a van struck him on the Aberdeen bypass today thanked the doctors and nurses who saved his life.
More than £8,000 has already been raised by a crowd funding website, in appreciation of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary staff who are treating Flynn Scott.
The Westdyke Community Club Under 18s captain spent several weeks in a coma after a vehicle hit him on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) just before 2am on May 29.
Paramedics who treated the 18-year-old at the roadside feared he wouldn’t survive the horrific crash near the A944 Kingswells, Westhill and Alford junction.
But the former Cults Academy pupil has defied the odds and is speaking and moving again, after waking from a coma and uttering the words “I love you” to his mum, Kay Scott.
Speaking from his hospital bed today, Flynn said: “Thank you to all of the doctors and nurses for looking after me.
“I hope that the money raised on my GoFundMe page will help others going through bad times.”
Kay previously described the emotional moment of hearing her son speak for the first time since the accident as an “absolute miracle”.
She told the Press and Journal today: “Flynn has been busy with his physiotherapists and is managing to put weight on his legs and take a few steps.
“He takes all of these challenges with his usual good humour and will to push himself on. We are so delighted to see his progress and cannot thank the medical staff enough.”
A fundraising page set up by Flynn’s family said: “After a long and gruelling three weeks in the ICU, Flynn was strong enough to start coming round and start the process of breathing unassisted and begin the long road to recovery.
“He was transferred to the neurology ward where Flynn has started intense rehabilitation to build his strength back up as well as the ability to return to daily activities like walking and eating again.”
Flynn’s family said they’ve been “blown away” by the professional care of medical specialists.
Relatives credited his fighting progress with the “love, prayers and support” from friends, family and the community.
A GoFundMe page, started by Flynn’s dad Philip and 19-year-old sister Libby, has attracted more than 300 donations so far.
£8,570 raised in donations so far
At the time of publication, the crowdfunder had already raised £8,570.
“Our family would like to raise funds for the ICU and neurology ward to help other families that find themselves in this tragic position to continue to receive the best possible care for their loved ones,” Libby and Philip Scott explained.
They added: “Without funding, new technology and equipment cannot be given to these wards and they have to rely on charities and fundraisers to see any money come through their doors.
“As a family we were blown away by the efforts of all the specialists involved with Flynn and we cannot fault the care that he was given to help with the multiple life-changing injuries Flynn has suffered from the collision.
“Nothing was too much to ask and they kept us informed at every step of the recovery process for Flynn.
“The love, prayers and support from friends and family as well as the wider community has been so powerful and this is what has kept Flynn fighting and getting stronger each day.”
The donations will be given to the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund which is supported by more than 800 different funds, covering wards, departments and healthcare facilities throughout the north-east.
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “Donations to the NHS are by no means expected, but very much welcomed.
“We are very grateful to the Scott family and everyone who has donated.
“Once the fundraising is complete, we will ensure the money is used to benefit the ICU and neurology teams, in accordance with their wishes.”
Ongoing police probe
Police Scotland has declined to comment on the case, with a spokeswoman saying only: “That matter has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A PIRC spokesperson said: “About 0155 hours on Sunday 29 May 2022, an 18-year-old pedestrian was struck by a van and critically injured on the A90 near Aberdeen.
“The PIRC are investigating police interaction with the injured party in the lead up to the collision.
“Following our investigation, a report will be submitted to the Chief Constable.”
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