A WOMAN who was told she is unlikely to walk again after she was hit by a car in the village of Meliden has been sent messages of support from the school she teaches at.
Vania Tong, an English and drama teacher at Prestatyn High School, suffered a serious spinal injury after being struck by a car on Ffordd Talargoch on Sunday, June 19.
She was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where it was later discovered she had had suffered severe damage to her spinal cord, meaning she is unlikely to walk again.
Prestatyn High School, where Vania, 53, has taught for the last five years, has sent its best wishes, while pupils she teaches have also shared supportive messages.
A school statement said: “It was with great sadness that on June 19, Vania Tong, a valued member of our school community, was involved in a road traffic collision, leaving her with a serious spinal injury.
“She always brings life to the classroom with her positivity, energy and enthusiasm.
“Vania is also a very caring and nurturing teacher, as well as an amazing wife and mum.
“Vania is drawing on her strength of character as she faces the uncertain journey that lies ahead.
“All of Vania’s school family are supporting each other to come to terms with what has happened and they are supporting the many pupils, both past and present, who Vania has taught.
“There have been many overwhelming messages of love and support for Vania from her students and the staff at Prestatyn High School.
“We, as a school, are already considering ways to modify the building to welcome Vania back to work.
“We wish Vania and her family all the very best. We are missing Vania’s cheerful, positive character.
“We are confident that she will use these qualities and her remarkable resilience and bravery to cope with the challenges ahead.
“We will support her as she returns back to her Prestatyn High School family.”
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Vania, who teaches students from Year Seven up to Sixth Form, also holds after-school creative writing sessions, and has taught many youngsters in the community through her musical theatre classes.
Students and staff at Prestatyn High School are also raising money for Vania, and for the family to cover travel and accommodation costs during her recovery.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, her family will only be able to visit her for an hour a day.
A JustGiving page has also been set up by her daughter, Agnes, which has raised almost £10,000.
Members of Vania’s form group sent the following messages:
Zach, Year Nine – “Mrs Tong is a brilliant teacher and she never fails to put a smile on our faces. I hope she has a speedy recovery. You are in my thoughts.”
Harley, Year Nine – “Mrs Tong is a very helpful, kind and understanding person who has helped me a lot through the years, especially with my English. She is also a very supportive individual who encourages me when I feel like giving up with things. Get well soon, and I hope to see you soon.”
Gracie-Mae, Year Nine – “Mrs Tong is a kind and caring teacher and always pushes me to do my very best every day. She is always there to help. I wish her a speedy recovery.”
Faith, Year Nine - ‘You’ve been my form teacher for three years now, and I hope you’ll be well enough to come back for creative writing club. Get well soon.”
Wyatt, Year Nine – “Mrs Tong is a very energetic person with a kind heart. She is always there if you need her and wants her students to achieve the highest grade they can.”
Some of Vania’s English students also added:
A-Jay, Year Nine – “Mrs Tong, I hope you are OK. You are the best English teacher I’ve ever had and I can’t wait until you recover and are ready to return to school. Get well soon.”
Solomon, Year Nine – “I hope you have a quick recovery. We are all missing you. English isn’t the same without you.”
Leon, Year Nine – “I hope you have a speedy recovery. English just isn’t the same without you. Reading the book is not the same without your voice.”
On Wednesday (June 29), Vania’s husband, Stu, shared on the “Prestatyn Connect” Facebook group pictures of her on a new ward at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, as well as a selection of paintings and cards she has received.
Stu wrote: “Vania is now on a new ward - a room with a view.
“Vania is keeping strong, but wants to thank you all for your support.
“I want to thank you also for your kind words and donations to the crowd funder.
“So, from myself and Vania, love, respect and gratitude.”
You can donate to the JustGiving page yourself by visiting: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/agnes-tong.
Police have also urged anyone who witnessed the incident in Meliden on June 19 to get in touch by calling 101 or via their website, quoting reference B088996.
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