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The grandfather of the young Ulster dancing star who has had both her lower legs amputated said last night that she was determined to win sports day at school this year.
Chelsea Dougan (11), from Markethill, Co Armagh, suffered horrific injuries after an accident involving a lawnmower on which she was riding with a family member.
The schoolgirl underwent surgery to have both legs amputated beneath the knee, shortly after the accident, on September 15.
But, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night Mervyn Dougan (60), at whose farm the tragedy occurred, commended his young granddaughter's courage.
"She's a very brave wee girl," he said.
"She seems to be feeling positive. The minister from the local church visited her a couple of days ago and when he asked her what she wanted to achieve this year, she said she wanted to win sports day."
Despite the accident, Mr Dougan said that Chelsea - who had just started Year 8 at Markethill High School - and her family were keeping their spirits up.
"She's up and about now in a wheelchair," he said.
"She is going to Musgrave Hospital on Thursday to have prosthetic legs made. After that, I'm not sure how long she will have to stay in hospital."
Chelsea, who is currently being treated at the Ulster Hospital, has won numerous awards in Scottish Highland dancing.
"She was a brilliant dancer," added Mr Dougan.
"She basically won something in every competition she entered. Just last month she came home with a cup for best overall dancer at an Ulster Scots Highland Dance competition in Altnaveigh.
"Her parents are with her at the hospital. She has also had a lot of visitors and she has been chatting away to them. She seems to be bearing up."
Mr Dougan also said he was heartbroken when he heard about the accident.
"We are still in such a state after what happened," he said.
"I wasn't there at the time and I didn't ask for details because it's water under the bridge now.
"The local community have been absolutely brilliant in their love and support. I really can't thank them enough. I would like to thank everyone, in particular the Ulster Bands Forum."
Local UUP councillor Eric Speers said that the thoughts of the entire community were with the family at this difficult time.
"We have all been thinking about them very, very deeply. It was a very unusual, tragic accident," he said.
