THE mum of a 17-year-old

girl awarded

£1 million after being permanently disabled in a road crash, says nothing can compensate for the life she should have had.

Vanessa Pritchard was awarded £1,026,201 agreed damages in London's High Court yesterday, nearly five years after she was hit by a car at a pelican crossing in Old Shoreham Road, Portslade.

The teenager, who lives with her mum Doreen, in Hangleton Valley Drive, Hove, is now confined to a wheelchair and has difficulty with her memory. But 62-year-old Doreen says although it is a relief the legal struggle is over, nothing will make up for her daughter's injuries.

She said: "People say she is lucky to have the money, but if she was lucky she would be as she used to be before, going out with her friends and doing what they are doing.

"She may be fortunate and have things that make life easier for her, but you cannot describe that as lucky.

"If I had the choice of her health or her money I know which I would choose. The money will

help to make Vanessa's life easier but it will not bring her happiness."

Vanessa suffered head injuries when she and school friend Gemma Konowpeczuk were struck by a car as they crossed the Old Shoreham Road at a pelican crossing in December 1994.

The lights were green for traffic and red for pedestrians.

Gemma suffered serious leg injuries and Vanessa was left fighting for her life in the intensive care unit at the Hurstwood Park Neurological Unit in Haywards Heath.

Eventually she recovered enough to be moved to Chailey Heritage, near Lewes, which specialises in treating children, but was left permanently and severely disabled.

Tragedy

She was only able to return to school in 1997 and left Blatchington Mill, in Hove, this summer.

Through her mother Vanessa sued the driver of the car which struck her, an Austin Montego driven by Denise Janice Mander, of Preston Road, Brighton.

Ms Mander denies all blame for the tragedy, but her motor insurers agreed to settle Vanessa's claim yesterday without accepting liability.

Mum Doreen said: "I am thrilled that it's ended at last. Hopefully now we can really start living again." The money is being administered by Vanessa's solicitors but she has already received interim payments to pay for carers, treatment and a bungalow.

The family moved from their previous home in Church Road, Portslade, to their bungalow in Hove to accommodate Vanes-sa's wheelchair.

Vanessa is pleased with the settlement, but says she found the proceedings very strange because she cannot remember anything about the accident.

Despite her injuries, Vanessa says she is a happy teenager. She loves seeing friends and enjoys karaoke.

In the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Buckley was full of praise for Vanessa's mother who has cared for her tirelessly since the tragic accident.

He said: "This is a very unfortunate and tragic matter. I am told Vanessa's mother has shouldered the burden of caring for her and I am sure she deserves our admiration and sympathy.

"I can only wish her and Vanessa all the very best and express the hope matters turn out as well as possible for them."

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