A Calgary family’s reunion with relatives in the U.K. transformed into a nightmare when their 22-year-old daughter, Keeley Hethershaw, became an innocent victim of senseless violence. Just hours after arriving in Berwick, Keeley was struck down while simply stepping outside for a moment of fresh air.
Lee Hethershaw, Keeley’s father, recounted the horrifying scene: a brawl erupted outside a pub, and Keeley was tragically caught in the crossfire. A young woman, amidst the chaos, shoved Keeley to the ground, resulting in a devastating impact with the curb. The force fractured her skull in two places, triggering a dangerous blood clot in her brain.
The attack dredged up painful memories for Lee. He and his family left England twelve years ago, driven by a growing fear of alcohol-fueled violence – a pervasive issue he witnessed throughout his youth. He described a culture where casual fights could escalate into full-blown riots, a reality he desperately wanted to shield his daughters from.
His worst fears were realized with Keeley’s injury. “I left for their safety, and then this happens,” he confessed, his voice heavy with anguish. The irony was brutal; the very reason for leaving had found them, across an ocean.
Keeley underwent emergency neurosurgery, and now battles severe brain bruising and swelling. Complications arose, requiring two life-saving blood transfusions to combat a critically low red blood cell count. Every moment has felt surreal, a terrifying descent into a bad dream, according to her father.
Her mother immediately flew to the U.K. to be by her side, and Keeley’s aunt and cousins have remained a constant presence at the hospital, offering unwavering support. Despite the gravity of her condition, a glimmer of hope persists.
Lee shared a profoundly emotional moment when he finally spoke to Keeley since the attack. Her spirit, though shaken, remained remarkably strong. She expressed both a fierce determination to recover and a raw anger at the injustice of what happened.
Even amidst the trauma, Keeley’s personality shone through. Before surgery, she was more concerned about the shaved portion of her hair than her life-threatening injuries – a testament to her character, and a source of comfort for her family.
Keeley is receiving care at a world-renowned neurological hospital, staffed by leading neurosurgeons and specialists. While a return flight is at least six weeks away, Lee is encouraging her to remain under their expert care for as long as necessary.
While travel insurance exists, significant out-of-pocket expenses remain. An outpouring of support has emerged, with strangers and the local community rallying to help. Donations have flooded in, fueled by empathy and a desire to aid in Keeley’s recovery.
One anonymous donor contributed a remarkable $5,000, leaving Lee speechless with gratitude. The generosity of the people of Berwick has been overwhelming, demonstrating a collective desire to help in any way possible.
Once recovered, Keeley will return to Calgary to be with her family, leaving behind her life in Nanaimo, B.C. A dedicated home care nurse, she is eager to return to her profession and the elderly patients she serves. She also dreams of snowboarding again next season.
Lee describes his daughter as optimistic, brave, and incredibly strong. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Keeley’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire those around her, offering a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy.
