Family struck by tragedy hope son will be home for Bo'ness Fair

Mark Armour (27) was with a group of friends in Newcastle on December 6, 2015, when he was struck by a taxi.

He suffered brain trauma, broken ribs and other internal injuries which left him fighting for his life.

Fifteen months on, and in what has been a long and agonising journey for dad Joe (55), mum Lynne (52), fiancée Lauren Beaton (24), brother Steven (23) and the rest of his family and friends, Mark is still fighting.

Joe said: “He is very determined and a strong character. We feel as though we are getting more of Mark back every day.

“There have been ups and downs but he has progressed a lot since his last operation in December.

“His will to live has got us through it. Who are we not to fight when he is fighting every day?

“He is starting to speak a wee bit and understands what we are saying to him. He is fully aware of what is going on at the time.

“We are starting to get him standing up. We need to get him using his arms and his legs so he can walk again.”

Mark’s family and friends visit him daily at the Astley Ainsley Hospital in Edinburgh but they hope that he will be home in Kinglass Estate on June 30 – a date that is significant not just to Mark and his family but the whole of Bo’ness.

“We hope to have him back for the Fair Day for a few hours at least. He took part in the Fair as page boy and presentee and was piper in the Bo’ness Pipe Band.”

Joe paid tribute to the unwavering support of those around him during what has been a very difficult period.

He said: “Thanks to all our friends and family from the bottom of our hearts. We have gone through some hard times but they have helped us get through it.”