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06 Sept 2025

Hannah Leonard's father issues emotional update as she touches down in Ireland

Hannah Leonard (22) from Bray, Co Wicklow was out running on October 6 she was hit by a car and suffered life-changing injuries

Hannah Leonard's father issues emotional update as she touches down in Ireland

Hannah Leonard. Photo - Facebook

22 year old Hannah Leonard is now home in Ireland as of Wednesday, January 17. Hannah's father Kevin Leonard issued an emotional update on Hannah's GoFundMe page, he said: "Hannah is home, or at least at her new home for the time being, sneaking in under the cover of darkness yesterday.

"Being slightly superstitious we kept the details of her return a secret from most people until now, not wanting to jinx anything. Yesterday was a day filled with emotion, one we had waited for 101 days, that’s how long it is since her accident. So, as I wished in my last update, I’m now writing this one from Dublin."

Hannah’s father explained that her condition remains stable but she seems to be improving, he said that when her family visited her in Catania they would notice more "little changes" in her.

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He said: "Whether that was a move of the head to the side more pronounced than before, an increased reaction when we squeezed her leg, her right eye still slowly opening a little more and her arms moving in a way we hadn’t seen before."

Mr. Leonard described the goodbyes with the staff in the hospital as "emotional" with hugs and positive words from the doctors and nurses who treated the Bray woman during her time in the Sicilian hospital. Her neurosurgeon was said to be "visibly emotional" and said that he wanted to be kept informed of Hannah’s progress and he hoped to visit her in Dublin.

Hannah's father extended a heartfelt thank you to all who had donated to Hannah's fundraiser, he said: "I find myself once again having to express our gratitude to all of you that have started following Hannah’s story since my last update.

"Messages of support still continue to flow in, and it is often hard to keep up with them and thank everyone individually but we really do appreciate all of the support."

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