BERWICK Primary School student Shanae Rossiter has returned to her Beaconsfield home after she was hit by a bus at the Manuka Road and High Street, Berwick, traffic lights on Friday.

Shanae came home on Monday evening to the support of family and friends and has maintained her determination to be playing netball within six months.

Shanae, 11, was on her way to school when every parent’s worst nightmare became a reality. She was hit by a bus and went underneath.

Shanae was lucky to survive, but lost the lower part of her left leg in what was a sudden and shattering life-changing experience.

Her shocked mother Tracy raced to the scene and has been with her daughter almost every waking moment since.

Ms Rossiter had to think and act quickly because her daughter needed total care and certainly lots of support and encouragement.

“My daughter is a very, very brave little girl, but she is taking things one day at a time,” she said.

“She will face each challenge as it comes but has a plan to play netball again in six months.”

Ms Rossiter also had to make a brave decision.

“I closed my business on the spot because I just couldn’t be there,” she said. “I am a sole parent and my daughter suddenly became my priority.

“We will assess the situation with the business once Shanae is settled.

“We face weeks of rehabilitation but she is determined to play sport again.”

Ms Rossiter said Shanae was one of those girls who loved running around and doing things, and she would again.

“We realise that we are, on one side of things, very fortunate to have her with us and we have given thanks for that,” she said.

“We want to issue a huge thank you to everyone for their support and love.

“This is especially to people at the Berwick Primary School.

“The school has been awesome and that lifted her spirits and made her journey so much easier,” Ms Rossiter said.

Berwick Primary School principal Kay Seton said the children liked to help and were looking forward to seeing Shanae back at school.

“We wish Shanae and Tracy all the best and we will offer support and help where needed. We hope to see her back at school soon,” she said.

Berwick solicitor Angela McPhee and other friends have set up a trust to create a fund that will help Shanae on the road to recovery.

Ms McPhee said donations could be made at the Commonwealth Bank to the McPhee’s Solicitor Trust Account for Shanae Rossiter.

The number is BSB 063549, and the account number 10275378.

Cheques can be sent to PO Box 558, Berwick, 3806.