Family share update on 8-year-old injured in Hoghton train crash which killed mum Kerry Coombes
Ava’s mum Kerry tragically died at the scene after their car was struck by a train on their way to school...
An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital 11 weeks after surviving this summer’s tragic Hoghton train crash.
Kerry Coombes was driving her daughter Ava to school on the morning of June 25, when a Northern passenger service travelling towards Preston struck their car on a level crossing in Station Road.
Kerry tragically died at the scene but her daughter, Ava, survived. The eight-year-old was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in a critical condition. Nearly three months after the tragedy, Ava remains in the care of the children’s hospital where she continues her recovery.
This week, Kerry’s sister Nikole Coombes shared an update on Ava’s condition, and expressed her gratitude to the children’s hospital and staff who supported her niece’s recovery.
She said: “On 25 June 2026, my sister, Kerry Coombes, was driving her daughter, my niece, to school when their car was struck by a train in Hoghton, Preston.
“Tragically, Kerry died at the scene, while my niece was airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition.
“Since the accident, my niece has undergone multiple surgeries and has remained in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), receiving around-the-clock care.
Don’t miss the stories shaping Lancashire. Sign up to our free breaking newsletter
“My niece is now working on her recovery and rehabilitation. Every day, the staff continue to fight alongside her and do everything they can to help her recover.
“Every member of staff has gone above and beyond to help us. No request has ever felt too small or too big, and their kindness, reassurance and willingness to help in any way possible has made an unbearable situation just that little bit easier to face.
“Throughout this unimaginable time, I have been overwhelmed by the compassion, professionalism and support shown not only to my niece, but to my entire family.”
Nikole has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for Alder Hey and announced she will be running the London Marathon on behalf of the children’s hospital.
She added: “I would love the opportunity to give something back to Alder Hey in recognition of the incredible care and support they have provided.
“I also want to help ensure that other families facing the most difficult moments of their lives receive the same exceptional care, compassion and reassurance that we have experienced.
“We have never once felt like a burden, and I hope to help Alder Hey continue making families feel supported, cared for and never alone during the hardest times.
“My family will be forever grateful for everything Alder Hey has done for us, and running the London Marathon for this incredible charity would be my way of saying thank you while helping ensure they can continue changing the lives of other children and families.”