'Miracle' survival of Bexleyheath boy Josh Collins knocked down by van in Erith

By Sam Christie - thisislocallondon.co.uk

DOCTORS treating a 12-year-old Bexleyheath boy hit by a van on a busy Erith road say it is a “miracle” he survived.

Bexleyheath Academy pupil Josh Collins had just got off the school bus and was walking home along the A206 Northend Road when he was struck by the vehicle at around 4pm on July 15.

The Year 7 youngster suffered fractures to his skull, right arm, shoulder and bleeding on the brain during the collision and was airlifted to Royal London Hospital by London’s Air Ambulance in a critical condition.

Josh’s mother, Nicola Collins, told News Shopper: said: “How he’s still alive we don’t know.

“He got off lightly, considering.

“Doctors report that this it is a miracle that he still alive considering his internal injuries and fractures.”

The schoolboy is believed to have stepped out into the 40mph road near Shell Service Station, was narrowly missed by a one car which led to a pile-up before panicking and walking into the path of a van in the next lane.

Road construction worker Steve Boakes was one of a number of people who rushed to help the 12-year-old before paramedics arrived.

Mrs Collins, a nurse who works across Bexley, is keen to get in touch with those who helped her son to personally thank them.

She said: “This, for me as a mum, is so comforting that people were there. “I’ve known clients who have heard about a person lying on the road and people walking passed them.”

The 43-year-old says the days which followed the crash were “absolute hell” but described the touching moment he woke up.

She said: “Josh’s personality is shy and lovely little boy and the first thing he did when he came round was give me a kiss. It was the best thing you could imagine."

Prayers have been said at Bexleyheath Academy, where Josh attends.

Mrs Collins was also keen to thank everyone for their support since the accident, adding: “It’s really brought the community together.

“People have been approaching my family in the street to ask how he is.

“He’s able to talk and walk but is forgetting lots of things. Although externally Josh looks well, he will need ongoing support to regain his memory and relearn some everyday activities.

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery.”