Shareen Hussain said the sound of the vehicle striking nine-year-old Ayaan still haunts her months after his accident.
Ayaan Manir, who spent two months in hospital with mum Shareen Hussain, now back home
he mum of an East Kilbride schoolboy has recalled the horror moment a car ploughed into her son.
Mum-of-five Shareen Hussain said the sound of the vehicle striking nine-year-old Ayaan Manir still haunts her months after his accident. The youngster was crossing Bridge Street, Paisley, on September 16, when he was thrown in the air after being hit by a car in front of his mum and three siblings, Adeem, 6, Zaidan, 4 and Alayna, 18 months.
Heartbroken Shareen told the Daily Record she turned her back for a ‘split second’ before hearing a huge bang.
The 40-year-old, who quickly ran to her son’s aid, added: “I had crossed Ayaan over to get us a parking ticket and when he was crossing back over disaster struck. I turned my back for like a split second and then I heard this very loud noise. I thought a bus had blown its tyre before I realised what happened.
“When I turned around, the first thing I saw was Ayaan’s shoe lying in the middle of the road and then I noticed his body was further up. There was blood everywhere. My heart dropped and I just remember screaming his name over and over again.”
Shareen said Ayaan was unresponsive and lying in the fetal position. She added: “His eyes were open so I knew he was alive but he wasn’t speaking or moving. His body had went into shock because of the pain he was in. His leg had snapped and was shaped like an M. Paramedics spent about half an hour working on him in the ambulance and I really thought they were going to come out and tell me he had gone.”
Ayaan was rushed to Glasgow’s Royal Children’s Hospital where he was treated for serious head and leg injuries. He underwent immediate surgery for multiple pelvic fractures, and a snapped calf. Doctors also discovered two hematomas and a haemorrhage on his brain.
Shareen added: “He was in intensive care for the first week and when he woke up he couldn’t speak. Doctors told us they didn’t know if he ever would again. It was just a waiting game to see how he recovered. Three weeks later he finally spoke. He uttered the word no and it was such a relief. Just to hear his voice again was magical.”
Ayaan received daily inpatient rehabilitation from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy. He went from being immobile to making significant progress, setting and achieving goals. From removing his feeding tube and moving his fingers to being able to game with his controller and complete stairs, every milestone was a testament to his hard work and the care he received.
After two months in hospital, Ayaan was discharged from hospital. He was greeted by cheers from the hospital staff as he made his way home. Shareen expressed her gratitude, saying, “Without the support of the rehab team, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Ayaan loves playing sports and the flute, and while he can’t do these things just yet, he’s set his sights on getting back to them. Being home with his siblings will help him thrive.
“The accident and his injuries have definitely changed his personality and we don’t know if he will ever be back to how he was before, but the main thing is that he is still here with us ”
“Ayaan’s resilience and commitment to his rehabilitation has been inspiring. The staff will miss his smiling face on the ward and wish him all the best.”
Police Scotland confirmed no charges had been brought against the driver of the vehicle which hit Ayaan.
A spokesperson said: “Around 5.35pm on Monday, 16 September, 2024, we received a report of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Bridge Street, Paisley.
“The nine-year-old child was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment to serious injuries.”