The family of a seven-year-old boy injured in a collision with a bus in Chester last month have thanked the public for their support as their son recovers from his ordeal.

Dozens of city residents took to the Chronicle ’s Facebook page to express their concern and wellwishes for little Theo Herbert after the accident on Wrexham Road near to the Grosvenor Nuffield Hospital during a visit to Chester on Saturday, September 28.

The child received head injuries and was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool where he remained for a week.

Now back home in Ide, Exeter, and on the road to recovery, Theo’s dad Mike said he wished to pay tribute to the people of Chester and all those who helped the little boy in the crucial moments following the accident.

“After spending a week in Alder Hey, Theo is now thankfully recovering well,” Mike said. “Myself and my wife Rachel would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who quickly looked after my son and my wife immediately after the accident, possibly averting serious injury.

“The doctors and nurses at Alder Hey were amazing,” he added.

Theo and Rachel had been visiting family who live in the city on a weekend trip and had been out shopping when the pair decided to get a bus home after Theo said he felt unwell.

After getting off the bus, they tried to quickly cross the road through stationary traffic, which was extra slow that day due to Chester Races, but unwittingly stepped into the bus lane, not noticing the bus approaching, and were both struck.

“Rachel had been unhurt and was able to get up and tend to Theo immediately while drivers in the traffic, including a fireman, also tried to help,” recalled Mike, who had stayed at home in Exeter on the day, to oversee building work.

“Someone helped to hold Theo’s neck and another driver, who we have been in touch with since, stopped the traffic. Theo was unconscious and then airlifted to Alder Hey.

“Back at home I got the phone call I think any parent would dread, that my child had been knocked down and I had to just drive there as quickly and safely as I could.”

Mike, whose family managed to get a room to stay at Alder Hey’s Ronald McDonald House to be with their son 24-7, added: “Theo was diagnosed with double fracture of the skull and admitted into a Neurological High Dependency Unit until his release from hospital last week.

“He is now recovering well apart from headaches and is getting better every day, although he will be off school for a few weeks yet. Rachel is doing OK too, though is concerned how everyone is, especially the bus driver.

“We would like to thank everyone who looked after Theo at the scene, the doctors and nurses and Paul, who stopped the traffic, and his family. They even came and gave Theo gifts from his favourite team, Liverpool.

“After such a traumatic experience it renews our faith that there are many good and kind people around whom we could never thank enough for their help.”