Girl still in serious condition after Fishpond Park accident

Grace Lear was found in the fountain at Fishpond Park after disappearing while visiting the park with her family.

She was found by a member of the public, who, along with three men from the local bowling club, performed CPR while an ambulance was called.

Grace was initially transferred by road to the University Hospital of Wales to be treated.

But, given the severity of her condition, she was transferred to a specialist hospital in Leicester, where she received a heart and lung bypass last Wednesday evening.

Grace Lear. Picture: Hannah Lear.

Mum Hannah has now confirmed that Grace has been transferred back to hospital in Cardiff, after the team in Leicester decided she was well enough to return.

However, Ms Lear said there was “still a long long way to go” before Grace recovered.

“Grace is on her way back to her home turf,” she said.

“The Leicester team are happy for her to be closer to home now as the reason she came here in the first place was to have her heart and lung bypass (ECMO).

“They are one of two hospitals in the UK who can offer it for the sickest patients.

“Grace is still on the ventilator and critically ill and will likely be deemed as that for a while yet.

“She still has such a long, long way to go before she's better and strong again, but all the treatment she needs to continue receiving – including the ventilator – can be done at Cardiff.

Grace Lear. Picture: Hannah Lear

“Although everything is still quite daunting to Sam (Grace's dad) and I, including what the future may hold, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air being able to be that bit closer to home.

“Grace's health is the most important reason of course, but the second biggest is that we can be closer to our two boys Benjamin and Noah. We have missed them terribly and they'll now have the chance to spend the day with us and an overnight stay and just see their mummy and daddy and their little sister whenever they want to.”

In the aftermath of the incident, the Griffithstown community rallied around the family.

Initially, Ms Lear put out an appeal to find the man who started CPR on her daughter, but it has since been confirmed that the family has been put in touch with him.

Grace Lear. Picture: Hannah Lear

A fundraiser was also set up to help the family with expenses while Grace was treated in the East Midlands. This raised more than £4,000, after a target of £500 was originally set.

“Sam and I just want everyone to know how much every single message, comment, share, donation - absolutely everything, has meant to us,” said Ms Lear.

“We've had the most horrendous week but all that has given us a bit of comfort and you've all given your support and been behind us and Grace when we're strangers to the majority of you.

“That means everything.”