A 10-YEAR-OLD boy who had to have his leg amputated after a road collision in Bury has now come out of a coma.

Oliver Hacking is still poorly in Manchester Royal Infirmary, and was due in theatre yesterday for further operations.

But Denise Appleyard, who is Oliver’s mother’s best friend, says there has been an improvement.

She said: “He is a little bit better, still very poorly but he is stable. We are getting there slowly but surely, but we know it is going to be a long process.

“He has more or less come round and they have reduced his painkillers. He is up and talking but he is very confused.

“Oliver’s parents are taking it day by day, but there is progress.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident — Oliver was struck by a horse box as he was crossing Bolton Road on March 28, at about 4.30pm.

Oliver was airlifted to hospital and put into an induced coma. His parents have remained by his hospital bedside.

Meanwhile, Denise has set up a fundraising page on Facebook to encourage people to contribute towards Oliver’s future, which has received more than 3,000 likes.

The page has already raised more than £800, with a target of £1,000 set.

A sponsored bike ride will be held in Close Park, Radcliffe, this Saturday to help raise more funds for Oliver.

The event has been organised by Jason Rakha, who hopes to raise £400 from the 15-mile bike ride. A charity fun night will also take place on June 21 at Tottington Conservative Club from 7pm.

For more information or to contribute to the fund: search ‘Fundraising for local boy oliver’ on Facebook, or visit gofundme.com/84mp2s.

n Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call 0161 856 4742.