IT was a typical day for 16-year-old Lauren Hills who was getting a lift to college with her boyfriend.

But at 11am on Friday, October 24 everything changed when the car she was travelling in smashed into an oak tree, leaving her with 50% brain damage.

Doctors feared she would not make it through the night and her distraught family said their last goodbyes with a vicar.

But after lying seriously injured in a coma for months Lauren’s family have spoken of their immense relief after the Brighton teenager tried to speak for the first time.

Lauren’s father, Mark Hills, said: “We feel as if we are better off than we ever were because we could have lost her.

“It’s lovely to hear her trying to find her voice. She has found her voice box but she isn’t making words.”

Lauren first opened her eyes in February but has been unable to speak or move her arms.

She can now move her left arm very well and her right arm to about 40% of its capability.

Mr Hills 51, of Brighton, said: “She is discovering parts of her body as her brain is healing.

“It’s all touch with her at the moment. She knows everyone in her family by nuzzling into them. She’s progressing leaps and bounds.”

The former Longhill School pupil, now 17, was put in an induced coma following the crash in Ditchling Road, Brighton.

Even with seatbelts on, it is thought she clashed heads with her boyfriend on impact, leading to a swollen brain and fractured eye socket.

Mr Hills said: “The doctors thought she wouldn’t make it through the night. We said goodbye to her with a vicar and everything.

“It’s a life-changing experience and we don’t wish it on anybody.”

Despite her improvements her family are still not sure if she can see.

Mr Hills praised the staff at Chailey Heritage Foundation near Lewes where she is being treated.

Lauren’s boyfriend, Dan, now 23, who was driving the car, still visits her every day.

Mr Hills added: “Dan has been as good as gold and comes to see her every day.”

Horse-lover Lauren has been outside on a special bike with a harness and seen some horses but Mr Hills said her recovery could take at least another six months.

Mr Hills said: “As a dad, I can slowly see changes. She’s not going to be the same little girl, so we’re told, but we’re hoping for a miracle. She’s on the right path but we have a long way to go.”

BACKGROUND

LAUREN and her boyfriend were left with serious injuries after the crash in October last year.

Her boyfriend was released from hospital before Christmas before undergoing rehabilitation.

Lauren spent the remainder of 2014 in the specialist King’s College Hospital in London before she was transferred to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton in early January.

In February she was transferred again to the Chailey Heritage Foundation, near Lewes, which specialises in rehabilitation after brain injuries.

That month she opened her eyes for the first time and can now move her arms and appears to recognise her family.

Fund helps Lauren's rehabilitation

TO help with Lauren’s recovery, her family have set up the Lauren Hills Foundation to raise money for her rehabilitation.

Family and friends launched a series of fundraising initiatives to help pay for Lauren’s future care.

The foundations Facebook page has more than 2,200 followers and keeps people up to date on the family’s efforts.

Her father Mark Hills said: “It allows us to get her the things she needs and help with her recovery.”

One fundraiser recently saw an event called Showtime Showcase at the Sallis Benny Theatre in Brighton. The show on March 14 raised £1,150 for the foundation.

Performers included Anneli Smith, pictured with Mr Hills, the Brighton School of Singing, The Dance Academy, based in Lewes and a local dance troupe called Savoy Kicks.

To donate visit facebook.com/laurenhillsfoundation or gofundme.com/Paulhunt.