THE family of a schoolgirl who made a miraculous recovery after being in collision with a car plans to raise much-needed funds for the hospital which saved her life.

Doctors feared Stefanie Mace would be left in a vegetative state, but she has astounded them by returning home to Evesham little more than a month after the accident.

The 13-year-old has been inundated with cards and goodwill messages and has already ventured out to her school's summer fair.

The keen West Ham fan suffered serious head injuries when she was in collision with a car as she crossed Pershore Road, Evesham, on Tuesday, May 22.

Her parents, John and Tracy, and younger brother Bradley were told that, in the unlikely event that she survived, the severity of her injuries would leave her in a permanent vegatative state.

Amazed family

But she amazed her family, friends and doctors by breathing on her own and being moved out of intensive care within two weeks of arriving at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Stefanie also underwent major surgery to remove part of her skull and allow her swollen brain to expand, before later having the bone replaced.

"The doctors have all said it's Stefanie's determination that got her to this point. She really has worked hard to get better," said her father.

"Since she came home, last week, she's had loads of friends come to see her and she insisted on attending the summer fair at St Egwin's CE Middle School, although she had to rest later."

Mr Mace, of Andrew's Drive, Evesham, said Stefanie's and Bradley's schools were taking part in a Glad Rags non-uniform day to raise funds for the hospital.

"We want to give money to intensive care and the neurological wards where Stefanie was treated as they need more reclining chairs for parents staying at the hospital," added Mr Mace.

"We want to thank everyone for the support they've given the family.

"Although Stefanie still has a long way to go before she can get back to school, we're just so relieved to be in this position."

Worcester police are still investigating the accident.