THE mum of a 12-year-old boy who has spent more than a week in a coma is refusing to give up hope after her son squeezed her hand from his hospital bed. 

Archie Battersbee, of Southend, is in a coma after suffering a brain injury in a “freak” accident at home. 

His mum, Hollie Dance, 46, says there is little change in Archie’s condition, however on Saturday he squeezed her hand from his coma, and squeezed his sister’s hand on Sunday. 

Doctors have said it was “probably just a reflex”, but it has helped Hollie and the rest of the family remain confident that Archie will pull through. 

Ms Dance said: “He squeezed my hand on Saturday and he held on his sister’s hand on Sunday but the hospital say it is probably just a reflex.

“It is not a reflex, he is definitely holding hands and there is definitely something there.

“Where there is hope there is life.”

Ms Dance said it is a difficult time for her and her other two children, Tom and Lauren, and she has barely left Archie’s side since the accident.

She added: “I get a drink at the restaurant downstairs and I am back up with him. 

“I sleep with him and I don’t really want to leave him.

“It is too early. You cannot expect the brain to heal and start responding that quickly.

“I feel he needs time.”

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The overwhelming support of the community has been a huge help to the family.
A fundraising page has been set up by resident Claire Howes to cover the costs of hotels, fuel, and food.

The donations will also help Archie can get a new bike and equipment for his training when he pulls through.

Ms Dance  added: “There is a family raising money for him doing a garage sell. Their little child went to the same primary school as Archie. 

“He said he wanted to sell his toys to help and raise money and that is lovely.

“Everyone, absolutely everyone is pulling together for him and that is really nice.”
Kind-hearted residents have donated more than £2,105 to support Archie.
To donate, visit bit.ly/3MerIV5.