A TEENAGER seriously injured in a car crash has made progress and will be transferred back to Swindon this week.

Courtney Thurman, affectionately known as Booey, suffered a severe head injury following a crash in the early hours of Saturday, August 13 on private land near Baydon.

The 17-year-old was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and placed in an induced coma to be treated for brain swelling.

After more than a week in a specialist neurological unit the resilient teenager has opened her eyes and begun to move, bringing joy to her close family and friends.

Neighbour and close friend of the family Jill Davis said the family were ‘so relieved’ when Courtney’s MRI scans came back clear, after initial concerns that she hadn’t moved her legs.

“Courtney had a bleed on the brain, which was really scary for the family. We all felt like sobbing when we heard her scan results have come back clear, to know that she isn’t paralysed was such a relief, now we can focus on getting Courtney better,” she said.

Courtney’s devoted family, mum Nikki, dad John, grandmother Tania Maynard, aunt Rose Fanning, siblings Taylor, Charlotte, Ben, Chloe, Matty and Sam and boyfriend Aston have kept a vigil at her bedside.

The former Swindon Academy student will now be transferred to the Great Western Hospital as she continues her recovery.

Although Courtney’s condition has improved, she will remain in hospital undergoing treatment and physio for the foreseeable future

“It could be months, it could be days until Booey is out, we just don’t know what the prognosis is at the moment, this is really the beginning of her recovery,” said Jill.

“Next week she could turn around but for now she will remain in hospital.”

To help the family deal with their daily 124-mile round trip the close-knit Pinehurst community vowed to ease the pressure with donations towards travel and hotel costs.

A fundraising campaign launched by residents of Willows Avenue, Pinehurst raised more than £1,400 for the family.

The family have asked for privacy as they deal with Courtney’s recovery but have expressed their gratitude towards all those who donated towards their appeal.

All money raised will go towards Courtney’s continuing care.

Friends, family members and well-wishers gathered in The Circle, Pinehurst, last week to send best wishes, healing thoughts and light candles for the popular teenager

Collection boxes for the appeal are at the Moonrakers pub and One Stop in The Circle.

To donate to Courtney’s appeal online visit www.gofundme.com/2jzq3f7y