The father of a Barra schoolgirl caught up in a terror attack at a pop concert in Manchester has spoken of his pride as his “determined” daughter continues to smash her recovery goals.
Laura MacIntyre, 15, remains in hospital in Glasgow, where she has been treated for serious hand and leg injuries since the blast in May.
She had been attending an Ariana Grande concert with friend Eilidh MacLeod, 14, who was later named as one of 22 people killed in the attack at the Manchester Arena.
Laura has been taking major steps in her bid to return home to the Outer Hebrides, with The Press and Journal reporting last month how the schoolgirl had make “good progress” and is now in a stable condition.
Her father, Michael, revealed how she has exceeded all expectations in recent weeks and is now even able to walk short distances.
He said: “She’s doing very well and she’s very ahead of schedule with her recovery. Laura is very determined – she’s doing well at physio.
“They were originally setting her weekly goals but she was breaking them in just a few days, sometimes even just one day.
“She’s always done her best at everything. We are so proud of her.”
Mr MacIntyre was also keen to pay tribute to the medical staff who have aided Laura in her recovery.
He added: “Everyone – the hospital teams in Manchester and in Glasgow, the police, the paramedics, the people – have been fantastic.
“But it’s Laura’s own determination which has helped her make it this far.”
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil, who remains a friend to both girls’ families said it was “great news” to hear Laura is doing well.
He added: “Everyone keeps asking how she is and how she’s getting on so updates like this really are a boost for the whole community.”
Eilidh’s parents, who have publicly issued their support to Laura and her family, are reportedly to discuss plans for a memorial to their daughter with council bosses on the island.
A spokesman for the authority said: “Work is ongoing to determine how this is most sensitively and appropriately addressed.”
