Stab victim Jessica home for weekend

5:10pm Tuesday 11th March 2008

Courageous stab victim Jessica Knight took her first steps out of hospital at the weekend following the horrific attack on her in January.

Jessica, aged 14, returned home to Euxton for a short time from Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester, where she has been making a remarkable recovery.

She spent an hour with her family, including mum Jill and her pet cat, before returning to hospital.

Speaking to a national newspaper, Jill, a healthcare assistant at Chorley Hospital, said: "As a mum, you're always proud of your kids, but she's made me the proudest mum ever. She's so wonderful."

Jessica, who was attacked at the back of Astley Park, is now walking again.

She was stabbed up to 30 times and left for dead on a path.

Her life was saved by a passing cyclist who tended to her wounds.

Her parents Jill and dad Richard have described her as an inspiration.

Mum Jill added: "As a mum, you're always proud of your kids, but she's made me the proudest mum ever. She's so wonderful."

Jessica is a year 10 pupil at Parklands High School, Chorley.

Head teacher Jean McGrath said: "We are delighted to hear that she was able to spend some time at home and look forward to seeing her.

"She has already had several visits from myself, her form tutor Gary Woods and head of year Keith Tresize and several of her friends."

Frenchman Kristofer Beddar, aged 21, of Adlington, has been charged with Jessica's attempted murder and is awaiting trial.