DOCTORS told Vicky Kelcher it was unlikely she would ever have children after she suffered critical injuries in a collision involving a drink-driver.The 19-year-old spent more than 14 weeks in hospital with a severely crushed pelvis and serious damage to her legs, and was given the heartbreaking news there was little chance of her carrying a baby.

By Danielle Nuttall

DOCTORS told Vicky Kelcher it was unlikely she would ever have children after she suffered critical injuries in a collision involving a drink-driver.

The 19-year-old spent more than 14 weeks in hospital with a severely crushed pelvis and serious damage to her legs, and was given the heartbreaking news there was little chance of her carrying a baby.

But three years on from the terrible accident, which saw businessman Peter Whalley jailed for dangerous and drink-driving, Vicky has something to smile about – one-year-old baby Imogen.

Vicky, who lives with her boyfriend Ty Freer, 21, in Grange Farm Avenue, Felixstowe, was left totally shocked when she discovered she was pregnant.

Medical experts were a little concerned her body would not be able to cope with the pregnancy and kept a close eye on her throughout the nine months.

But, against the odds, baby Imogen was delivered safely by caesarean section a year ago and mum Vicky could not be happier.

"I was so shocked but I was really pleased. They kept a close eye on me as they thought there was going to be complications but it all went smoothly. She's just like a miracle baby," she said.

"I had to have a caesarean which was planned right from the start. Doctors were shocked about it but were quite concerned to start with but I managed all right and she was fine."

Vicky was walking home along Garrison Lane with Mr Freer on December 8, 2001, when Peter Whalley's Mercedes ploughed into her, pinning her against a brick wall. He was more than twice above the drink-drive limit.

She underwent life-saving surgery on the night of the accident and five operations in hospital in the months that followed as well as spending 13 weeks in a frame to support her pelvis.

"They said to my mum I would probably not be able to have children or it would be very hard for me to have them because I had a crushed pelvis," she said.

"It didn't sink in to start with. But then it did concern me and down the line I think I would have been gutted."

For more than a year after the accident, Vicky had regular physiotherapy sessions and admits even now she has not completely recovered from the injuries.

She also chooses not to wear skirts due to the scarring on her legs.

"I still can't do things. I have back pain and if I drive for too long I get a bad leg. I don't walk much and I cannot walk fast or for as long as I used to," she said.

"I still have the scars that I did before but my face is getting better. The leg hasn't changed it's very bad. It's a dent. But I know how lucky I was."

Vicky, who has a qualification and experience in childcare, is aiming to go back to work at the end of the year and is looking forward to the future.

"I said to myself I was going to go into this year and try to forget about it. I'm not one of those people who keep dwelling on things. It can't be changed and Imogen keeps me busy. She's brought a lot of joy into our lives," she added.

Whalley, who was 35 at the time of the incident and a wine bar owner, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being convicted of dangerous driving and drink-driving at his trial in 2002. He had denied both charges.