Little Sadie Stevens, who has touched the hearts of thousands of people across Birmingham, today spoke for the first about her ordeal - and how she longs to be allowed home.
Talking from her hospital bed, the 11-year-old who had her right leg removed after being knocked down by a police car, said she could not wait to sleep in her own bed and eat her mums home cooking. I am feeling okay, but dont like it in hospital, said Sadie.
I have had lots of cards and presents and it feels like my birthday every day, but I get bored here and would rather be home with my sisters and brothers.
Sadies anxious parents, Brian, 52, and Karen, 45, who have five other children, said doctors had told them their little fighter could return home after a few weeks if an operation todaywent well.
I am delighted and it is wonderful to think Sadie may be coming back home soon, said Mr Stevens.
At the start, doctors told us she may be here for six months.
She is coping so well and I just want her back at home with us where she feels safe and happy.
Once she is better, we face the next challenge of getting Sadie used to a new life without her leg.
Sadie has been seeing therapists but spending most of her time in the childrens hospital listening to her favourite CD, Shane Ritchies Im Your Man.
Wellwishers have begun flooding the Evening Mail with cards and cheques towards the Sadie Fund, which will use the cash raised to help Sadie adapt to her new life without her limb.
How you can help
Please send cheques or postal orders only made payable to the Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. DO NOT SEND CASH. Address your envelope to The Sadie Fund c/o Andy Richards, Head of News, Birmingham Evening Mail, PO Box 78, Weaman Street, Birmingham, B4 6AY. All the money raised will be handed over to Sadies parents to be used to help their daughter come to terms with the loss of her limb and adapt to a new life.
