The family of three young brothers have detailed the "life-changing" injuries they suffered as a result of a devastating crash earlier this year.

Joshua Black, aged 14, and his twin brothers, Dylan and Jake, aged 12, have been undergoing extensive medical treatment in recent months following a horrific crash near Enniskillen in March. The accident happened when the jeep they were in, driven by their father, collided with a tree.

All three brothers were transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), where they underwent extensive operations and procedures.

Dylan and Jake have since been discharged, while Joshua continues to show signs of improvement amid treatment for a "catastrophic" brain injury. His recovery so far has been described as "a miracle".

"(The three boys) are so very lucky to be here today, considering what they have had to come through," said their aunt, Bethany Ellis, who spoke to The Impartial Reporter on behalf of the family.

"All three brothers were left with life-changing injuries, all of which have taken a lot of extensive operations, procedures, and treatments.

"But their strength and determination have stood to them from the very second they had to fight."

Jake was the first to be discharged from the Royal Victoria Hospital in early April.

As a result of the accident, he suffered a broken collarbone and a fractured elbow, as well as internal bleeding, cuts, and bruises.

Despite this, his family says he is "recovering well".

"He had an operation to put a metal plate in his shoulder as an outpatient and has recovered well since having that done," explained Mrs. Ellis.

"As Jake got home first, while still having two brothers very sick in Belfast, he was being cared for by family members, which allowed him to return to school eventually and to continue to recover."

Severe injuries

Unfortunately, Jake's twin brother, Dylan, suffered more severe injuries, as did Joshua.

On the day of the accident, Dylan was first taken to SWAH, and was then airlifted to the RVH and placed straight into intensive care.

Mrs. Ellis reflected: "The doctors and surgeons had to come together to figure out what they could do for Dylan, as his injuries were so rare and complex that there was no straightforward plan."

Dylan had sustained extensive stomach damage, and following emergency bowel surgery, was placed on life support.

He also received further surgery, where mesh was put in place of muscle that was lost and damaged.

Mrs. Ellis continued: "During his stay at the hospital, he received a lot of physio and Occupational Therapy (OT) each day to learn the basics of sitting up and moving. He was determined to do his best."

Dylan was eventually discharged 11 weeks later. He continues to recover at home while awaiting further surgery.

While two brothers have been discharged from the Royal Victoria Hospital, Joshua still remains.

Mrs. Ellis explained that as a result of the accident on March 31, the 14-year-old suffered "extreme" injuries, including a "catastrophic" brain injury and a "huge" injury to his foot.

"This was devastating for us," Mrs. Ellis explained. "Time was against the surgeons to operate. They had to go straight to the theatre to prevent further damage being done."

Joshua was admitted to intensive care and placed on life support. The pressure on his brain continually rose, and as a result, a permanent drain was put in to release fluid.

While Joshua's condition gradually improved and he was soon taken off life support, he faced other complications, including blood pressure problems and infections.

"He was put on blood thinners, which he will be on for life," explained Mrs. Ellis.

"As a result of this, one of his operations couldn't go forward. He had two brain aneurysms, and the surgery was brought to an end."

Joshua was then moved to a ward specialising in brain injuries, where he received physio, OT, and speech and language therapy.

He also underwent operations to save his eyesight, which was impaired as a result of the crash.

Slowly but surely, he was able to take thickened drinks and liquid food, and has been improving daily to the point where he can now eat a normal diet.

"The distress this has caused a 14-year-old boy who went from being so healthy, active, and able, to being taught how to swallow, move, etc., was just so awful," Mrs. Ellis said.

"But he has proven to be a strong lad who has taken so many by surprise as to where he is now.

"The road is still unknown for Joshua, and he has had a lot to overcome. It's a miracle he's where he is now.

"He will continue to improve with all the help from all the teams of professionals in RVH who are working to encourage him every day."