By Lisa CLeverdonTHE victim of an horrific road crash whose injuries have kept her in hospital for more than a year will be reunited with her husband in a matter of weeks.

By Lisa CLeverdon

THE victim of an horrific road crash whose injuries have kept her in hospital for more than a year will be reunited with her husband in a matter of weeks.

Shirley Lamb has been told she can soon leave West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, for the first time since her accident last April.

Her husband of 46 years, Robert, said last night he could not wait for his music teacher wife to return home to Clare.

The couple were travelling on the A1092 when their car was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

As well as suffering 20 fractures and severe internal injuries, Mrs Lamb, 76, was in a coma for almost five weeks.

Mr Lamb, 70, who suffered a torn artery during the crash and was in a coma for five days, said doctors caring for his wife believed she would be ready to go home within three weeks.

“She has had enough of being in hospital and we are both really looking forward to the day she comes home. It has been very lonely in the house without her and I need her here with me,” he added.

The couple have had to sell their house as a result of the accident as Mrs Lamb is no longer able to get up the stairs. They have bought another property in Clare, which they hope to move into later this year.

“Shirley has been making steady progress in her recovery in the past few months, but although she can now walk on a frame, she is unable to move very easily,” said Mr Lamb.

“The house we are moving into is brand new, so we can install a stairlift which we would not be able to do in the house we live in now.

“I have been making do on my own the best that I can, but it has not been easy and I am thrilled that Shirley is finally coming home.”

Mrs Lamb, a keen pianist, spent 30 years working as director of music at the Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School up until the time of the accident.

The couple have a 38-year-old son Giles, who lives in Kent with his wife Amanda and two young daughters.

Speaking from her hospital ward earlier this year, Mrs Lamb said: “Doctors thought I probably wouldn't survive the accident, let alone walk, and everyone at the hospital says I have astounded them.

“It has been very tough and there has been a lot to get through, for myself and Robert, but I am lucky that I am here at all.”

lisa.cleverdon@eadt.co.uk