A Scots schoolboy who has been stuck in hospital for eight months after a horror bike accident left him drain damaged was given a boost by his football heroes yesterday.
Keiran Lamond was left fighting for his life when he came off his bike and hit a lamppost in October last year and has had a metal plate inserted into his skull.
But the 15-year-old, from Blairgowrie, Perth and Kinross, is making huge strides towards recovery after undergoing daily physio sessions at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
And the St Johnstone fan was overjoyed to receive a personal video message from star Liam Craig, who gifted the teenager the strip he wore when his team beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup in April.
The touching moment was set up by charity hero John O’Byrne, whose foundation helps provide treats for poorly Scots kids enduring long hospital stays and gruelling treatment.
John said: “What Keiran has gone through over the last eight months has been unbelievable and he’s such a brave boy.
“When I found out what happened to him I felt I had to organise something to cheer him up.
“I saw he was a St Johnstone fan and when I spoke to Liam Craig about what happened he was keen to help and gave me probably one of his most prized possessions to give Keiran.”
Keiran was cycling to his local shop without a helmet when he suffered his accident and was found severely injured by a neighbour’s friend.
His parents were warned he may not survive, but he endured six hours of surgery and had three blood clots removed from his brain before showing gradual signs of improvement.
In December, family and friends helped him celebrate his 15th birthday from hospital by gathering to release balloons and sending him a special video message montage.
Earlier this year the Blairgowrie High pupil endured another op to insert a metal plate into his skull and with speech therapy he has regained the ability to talk again.
He is now working with experts to regain his physical strength.
Dad Greg told the Record: “When he went to theatre they said he might not make the first 24 hours but he’s still here today. He’s done really well.
“He’s been in hospital the whole time, which is hard, but he’s in physio every day to get his left hand side working again and he’s making really good progress.
“He has a scar on his head but it’s mainly covered by his hair.
“We don’t yet know when he’ll be able to come home but we’re just taking it day by day.
“It’s brilliant what John has done for him.”
Brittle bones sufferer John, of Mosspark in Glasgow, spent much of his own childhood in hospital and after years of volunteering with sick children he went on to create the John O’Byrne Foundation six years ago.
Since then, has made the wishes of countless kids come true, providing experiences and gifts thanks to donations from A-listers such as Beyonce and Ariana Grande.
Yesterday Keiran’s face lit up as John handed him the jersey, which had been signed by the St Johnstone team, as well as a signed match programme.
In a special video message to Keiran, Liam Craig said: “I just want you to know that everyone at the club is thinking of you at this difficult time.
“Hopefully supporters will be allowed back in the stadium soon and we can get a catch up then buddy.”
