THERE is hope for the family of Urmston biker Pati Olearnik, who was critically injured after coming off her motorbike, as she appears to be slowly waking from her coma.
Pati, 20, has been in a coma at Salford Royal Hospital since March 12 after she came off her bike in Crofts Bank Road, in Urmston.
Her dedicated family have been by her bedside for the past two weeks and their request for Pati’s ‘biker family’ to arrange a special convoy to ride to the hospital had an overwhelming response.
Bikers gathered at the meet before Pati's convoy to Salford Royal Hospital. Image: Jan Grass
Hundreds of bikers turned out to support Pati, riding from Trafford to Salford Royal on Sunday March 19.
Her family played the recording of the huge convoy to Pati in the hopes of pushing her towards recovery – and she is now showing signs of waking up.
Sister Karolina confirmed that Pati had been taken off some of the sedation.
“She's on minimum now so she's opening her eyes and moving her hands so she's coming around,” said Karolina on Friday.
“Today they're going to take her off the sedation to see how she reacts.
“She’s doing very well and we're hoping she's going to wake up before Mother's Day. It would be the best present not only for my mum but for all of us as her family.”
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after the crash, which occurred at the junction of Canterbury Road and Crofts Bank Road at around 7.30pm on Sunday March 12.
Officers said Pati was riding her red Honda motorbike along Crofts Bank Road when a white Vauxhall Zafira pulled out of the junction.
Both crossed onto the opposite side of the road, where Pati came off the bike.
The accident happened at Crofts Bank junction with Canterbury Road, in Urmston. Image: Google Maps
Police Constable Paul Hailwood of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “My thoughts are with the woman’s family at this difficult time.
“We have launched an investigation to establish exactly what happened and I would urge any witnesses, or anyone who saw the red motorbike shortly before, to get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 4742, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A fundraising page has also been set up by friends to support Pati during her recovery. To donate, visit gofundme.com/patis-fund.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here