“Christmas miracles still exist.” This was a WhatsApp message I had earlier today from Liza Evans, the mum of Alfie Evans- the Cwmbran teenager who fell through the roof of an empty building in October.
The 17-year-old was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in a critical condition after the estimated 18–24 metre fall. After five weeks, he was transferred to Llandough Rehabilitation Centre, where he remained until yesterday.
His mum’s lovely words came with photos and videos of her son being discharged from the hospital just in time for Christmas.
She said: “In the short time, Alfie was in Llandough, he has retrained to walk, talk and be independent. He does struggle with left side weakness, which is] more prominent when tired, which is all the time. Long-term memory is amazing now, but his short-term memory is really bad.
“As a family, we are so proud of Alfie‘s strength and resilience. Yes, it was hard, but he pushed through to get home for Christmas, and it doesn’t matter what’s under the tree, it’s what’s around the tree, which is Alfie still being with us.”
The teenager in the light grey tracksuit standing next to Alfie is his friend, Harley, who Liza said performed lifesaving first aid while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Alfie will have follow-up checks while doctors monitor him for the risk of traumatic brain injury epilepsy.