The mother of little Saffie Roussos, who was the youngest victim of the Manchester bombings, has regained consciousness and is aware of her daughter’s death, according to a family friend.
Lisa Roussos, 48, was badly injured in the attack and had been placed on life support by doctors. It is now understood that she is recovering and has been told of her tragic loss.
Eight-year-old Saffie was the youngest out of 22 people killed when bomber Salman Abedi detonated a nail bomb inside the foyer of the Manchester Arena, following an Ariana Grande concert.
Family friend and neighbour Mike Swanny said: "The news about Lisa being out of danger is the biggest in this since the start. She was in a critical condition at first, but she came off life support on Saturday and was up and talking on Sunday.
"She's aware of the situation with Saffie. She's still in hospital, but she's moving her legs, which is fantastic. Lisa's pulling through, and it’s really important that people know that."
Sadly, Lisa was unaware her daughter had died until now. Lisa’s older daughter, Ashlee, was also caught up in the blast but is said to be making a good recovery also, according to The Mail Online.
“Ashlee is remarkably well. She went to a different hospital to her mum, with wounds; but it looks like she might be out as early as Wednesday,” Mr Swanny said.
The Roussos family are originally from Cyprus and own a fish and chip shop in Lancashire. Supportive friends have been fundraising to help the devastated family, and have raised thousands in their appeal so far.
Mr Swanny is helping to sort the donations from generous well-wishers and says he’s already received at least £9,000.
According to Mr Swanny, Saffie’s father Andrew has displayed remarkable courage in dealing with the loss of his daughter, and his wife’s injuries.
“Andrew has been so strong. He's not wanted to grieve until he knew his wife was going to be OK. He's been a machine all week.”
Tragically Mr Swanny had to break the news of Saffie’s death to his own daughter Lily, who was her best friend.
He explained: "Me and Andrew are very close, and I was there from the very beginning when this all happened. It's been hell since last Tuesday. I had to come home and tell my little girl that her best friend was not coming back."
