‘Miss Hannah Smyth - Dunseverick's Little Miracle!’

Principal Mrs Leanne Smyth with Hannah Smyth

It has been a long and challenging journey since May this year whenever tragedy visited a close-knit rural community outside Ballycastle.

On that tragic day mother Clare, three-year-old Bethany, and five-year old Hannah Smyth were involved in a road accident near their family farm. Sadly, Clare and Bethany lost their lives. Little Hannah was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast in critical condition where the amazing medical staff fought to save her life.

Over the last months, with father Ryan by her bedside, Hannah has made remarkable progress and yesterday Principal Mrs Leanne Smyth shared a statement on social media calling Hannah, ‘Dunseverick’s Little Miracle!’

Leanne said: “It was a great privilege and honour to be asked to help Hannah present the cheque from 'Hannah's PICU Sponsored Walk' to Helping Hands, where Hannah took great delight in telling everyone at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children that she was back at school.

“We were absolutely delighted when we found out that Hannah would be returning to school in September to start Primary 2 along with all her class. Having talked with Ryan, Hannah's dad about her return to school, we were unsure when that would be given the extent of Hannah's injuries.

Dunseverick Primary School Principal, Mrs Leanne Smyth

”Hannah has made a remarkable recovery. For such a little girl, she never gave up the fight. Her determination and never give up attitude was clearly evident in her journey to recovery, defying all odds and expectations which the health professionals had. Every week Hannah made significant improvements and often talked about what she would be doing when she got back to school.

“As your principal and as a school community we are so proud of you Hannah. You continue to amaze us, facing each day with a such a positive attitude and always willing to embrace life at school to the fullest.”