Hayley (11) back at school after horror accident almost two years ago

Hayley Dreyer (11) of Bonaero Park, who was critically injured in an accident on Atlas Road almost two years ago, only returned to school this year.

Hayley and her mother, Renschie Loggenberg, were on their way to buy groceries in March 2016 when a driver in a bakkie hit them at high speed.

A critically injured Hayley was airlifted from the scene and spent six weeks in a coma and 16 weeks in a rehabilitation centre. When she finally went home, she received therapy every day.

Also read:

• Girl airlifted after serious accident on Atlas Road

• Prayers stream in for young accident victim

• Mother of accident victim: 'Keep on praying for my daughter'

• UPDATE: Hayley may have suffered brain damage

• UPDATE: Hayley is still in an induced coma

"It was like I lost my little girl and had a toddler again. Hayley had to learn how to sit, stand and even how to bath," remembers Renschie.

However, this doting mother is all smiles when she speaks about her miracle child. "I wasn't supposed to have her. Everything I have now is a bonus."

After the accident, Hayley was declared brain dead. Doctors said there was only a three per cent chance that she would ever wake up from the coma. Even if she did, they estimated she would never walk or talk again.

But Hayley did not stop fighting. Today, she has the mental abilities of a nine-year-old, only two years behind her actual age. Her memory is equivalent to that of a four-year-old.

For this reason, Hayley is now in a mixed class of grade two and three pupils at Muriel Brand School for learners with special education needs.

Hayley Dreyer (11) gets lonely when she's not at school, so she plays with her Monster High dolls. She also loves pop star Justin Bieber and dreams of becoming a DJ one day.

"The first day of school was very emotional. A new chapter started and now we have a new goal," says Renchie. This goal is to get all Hayley's abilities at the same level. I just want her to be a child again," adds Renschie.

Hayley enjoys school very much, although she says her teacher is a bit strict.

"I carry my own bag," she adds proudly.

She moves her hand over her raven black hair to show where the permanent shunt in her skull is. Then she quickly loses interest and shares how much she likes pop star Justin Bieber.

"He is so cute! I love all his songs."

When Hayley grows up she would like to DJ for this Canadian artist.

Renschie's dream for her daughter is to have a normal life.

"I want her to have a family one day, to be able to reach her goals and to become a DJ if that is what she wants."

Hayley points at an old school picture of her at Oos-Rand Akademie and asks if it is of herself. When her mother answers yes, she asks how Renschie knows.

"Because I'm your mother, Hayley," she answers patiently.

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