Trelawny schoolgirl defies the odds after crash left her unable to walk

Twelve-year-old Tamara Noble, a student of Coopers Pen in Trelawny was told she would never walk again. Eight years later, she's proving doctors wrong one step at a time.

On February 17, 2017, she was one of 13 people injured in a two-vehicle crash along the Martha Brae to Falmouth main road.

Her mother, Stacy Noble, shared her story that began on that fateful Friday morning.

"The first news I got was that she had died. Thankfully it was not so. She was diagnosed both at Falmouth and the [Bustamante] Children's Hospitals with a spinal injury which would leave her crippled from the waist down, and doctors said she would not walk again," Stacy recalled.

Stacy, a woman of faith, firmly believes that God answers prayers. She made several visits to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, requesting further tests to determine what could be done to help her daughter walk again.

"I was told an operation could be done. For three years I just kept on getting promises," she said.

In the meantime, she shared her daughter's story with anyone who would listen.

A Mrs Azar (who prefers no publicity) heard about Tamara's condition and decided to help.

"She arranged everything with Dr Mark Minott, and the operation was done to straighten her knees," Stacy explained.

The mother of three is reporting major improvements in Tamara's condition.

"She has movement in both legs. She can wiggle her toes and even complains about pain in her left leg," she said gleefully.

Another operation is to be scheduled for Tamara's pelvic area, and Stacy remains confident that when it is all over, her 'little Diamond' will walk again.

After completing her PEP exams, Tamara was placed at Westwood High, but because of the absence of ramps the school could not accommodate her. She is now enrolled at William Knibb High School.

"We are awaiting the establishment of a Google Classroom so she can get schoolwork sent to her," Stacy said.

Tamara, who has ambition of becoming a doctor, told The STAR, ""I want to become a doctor like Dr. Minott. I will be able to help people who may find themselves in the unfortunate position like I am in."

- Leon Jackson

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