Thousands raised in aid of Newbury woman hurt in crash

Helen Welch, aged 19, from Newbury, sustained serious brain injuries after the car she was travelling in left the A4 and crashed into a ditch between Kintbury and Hungerford in September last year.
Last month Helen’s friends Arron Cummins and Nelly Snuggs, arranged a fundraising event with Helen’s family at The Gun Pub, Andover Road.
Pub regulars joined in with the fundraising, which included a karaoke, cake and wristband sale and held a raffle, with prizes donated from local companies.
The event raised £600 on the night but, with online donations and TKMAXX donating £1,000 to each charity, the total is close to £2,800.
The money will go to the Brain Injury Group, which supports the families of those who have traumatic brain injuries, and the Holy Cross Hospital, Haslemere, Surrey, where Helen is currently living.
Helen’s mother, Annette Welch, said the event had been very succesful.
“[Before the crash] Helen ws outgoing, sporty, a social butterfly, protective of her sisters, loyal to to her friends, loud and a terrible singer.
“She’s still in a vegetative state. A lot of people call it a coma but it’s not, it’s a low-awareness state. I go to see see her every weekend and I know she is in very capable hands.
“I’m very pleased with the amount raised and would like to thank everybody who donated.”