Josie Russell's `great progress'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE HEADMASTER of Josie Russell, the girl left for dead by a hammer attacker who killed her mother and sister, has paid tribute to her bravery.
Dewi Jones said Josie, 12, who was left unable to speak and with a reading age of five after the attack three years ago, had made such progress that she will be treated like any other pupil at her new school.
One concession is that she has a special helper from the local education authority, who was with her at primary school and makes sure she the understands lessons.
Josie started at Dyffryn Nantlle School, in Penygroes, near Caernarfon, north Wales, on Thursday after being held back a year at primary school. She now has a reading age of eight, and is talking excitedly about her plans for the future.
Josie's evidence was crucial to the conviction of Michael Stone for the 1996 murder of her mother, Lin, and her sister, Megan, in Chillenden, Kent.
"I remember what happened but I don't like thinking about it," Josie said. "I don't have nasty dreams any more. I feel much happier about everything."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments