Hit and Run Survivor How 22 Year Old Medical Student’s Resilience Led to an Astonishing Recovery

Molly Turner, 22, a medical student in Manchester, experienced a life-altering accident while walking home from a night out. A hit-and-run left her with severe injuries, but her resilience and the dedication of her medical team have helped her make an extraordinary recovery, the Liverpool Echo reported.

Turner was struck by a car while crossing a road after becoming separated from friends. Recalling the incident, she said, “A group of us were on a night out when I decided to walk home alone after becoming separated from my friends, which I know in hindsight doesn’t seem wise. As I crossed a road, I was hit by a car. The car never stopped, and it took another passer-by to pull over and call an ambulance as I lay on the ground.”

Molly’s injuries were extensive, including a fractured collarbone and shoulder, a broken pelvis, and severe internal damage. Medics placed her in what they described as the “danger zone,” requiring an emergency 12-hour surgery to stabilize her condition. She spent two days in a coma and endured three more surgeries during her six-week stay in the hospital, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Molly shared the impact of the trauma on her memory. “I don’t remember what happened. Sometimes I think I do, but a lot of it is my imagination filling in the gaps,” she said. The first clear memory she has is of speaking with an anaesthetist in the trauma unit and wanting to call her mother.

During her recovery, the support from Molly’s family and friends was invaluable. Despite living in Bristol, her parents and sister stayed by her side, while university friends visited regularly. “I’m also more grateful than ever for the people I have around me,” Molly said. “I want them all to know what it means to me.”

Mr. Joseph Alsousou, Trauma and Orthopaedics Consultant Surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary, praised Molly’s resilience and the teamwork of the hospital staff. “Molly presented with severe injuries in multiple areas, and it was clear we needed to act fast,” he said. “Seven consultants were present, and she was quickly taken to the theatre for damage control surgery. After that, she underwent structured rehabilitation.”

Thanks to the expertise of her medical team, Molly has returned to the activities she loves, such as hiking and sailing, within six months. Her journey has solidified her commitment to a career in surgery. “After seeing the work of the surgeons and other health professionals, I know this is the medical path I want to follow,” she said. “They were amazing, insanely knowledgeable, and I got to see some of the ins and outs of the different areas they work in.”

Today, Molly appreciates life’s small moments more deeply. “I do have a new outlook on life now; the small stuff doesn’t bother me anymore. I value just being happy much more,” she reflected.