Anthony Millan looks into the camera’s lens with a five-year-old’s zest, and just a glint of mischief behind his bright, brown eyes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Anthony is a big brother, and a perpetually smiling recent addition to St John’s Catholic Primary School in Horsley. He is, according to his school principal, “just a delightful little boy”.
“We can pray for him. His mum seems to think that is greatly helping him at the moment.”
- Vicki Attenborough
“He’s a beautiful child,” Principal Vicki Attenborough said.
“We can pray for him. His mum seems to think that is greatly helping him at the moment.”
Anthony, of Siltstone Avenue in Horsley, suffered serious injuries to his head and body Saturday afternoon when he rode his bike into the path of an oncoming 4WD.
After being placed in a coma and airlifted from an empty lot at the end of his street, on Monday he remained a patient at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick, in a critical but stable condition.
The St John's school and parish communities have rallied around Anthony’s devastated parents Jenny and Jason, raising more than $10,000 to support their family-of-five via an ongoing gofundme.com campaign.
The family has also been the subject of many prayers and well-wishes, said Mrs Attenborough, who spoke to Mrs Millan on Monday.
“She said Anthony was a little better today, but they were concerned about the trauma to his liver, and the damage that has been done by the bull bar that hit him in the face.
“He’s still in intensive care because of the fluid on his lungs and body but he can hear and he’s communicating. She tried to ask him something, and he squeezed her hand.”
Scores of Horsley residents were startled from their homes on Saturday as emergency services rushed to Anthony’s aid.
He had been riding on the footpath in the moments before he went onto the quiet roadway.
Lake Illawarra Police inspector Brian Pedersen said the incident served as a reminder of how difficult it could be to see small children on residential streets crowded by parked cars.
“With the Christmas holidays coming up, kids have got to be so careful, they’ve got to make sure they wear their helmets and be careful, especially around the streets with parked cars – especially small kids. Parents have got to keep a close eye on them.”
Your messages of support for the Millans
Jenny (and family), my thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery for Anthony. Sofia Abercrombie, Towradgi
When I saw the helicopter hovering above my home Saturday afternoon I knew something was happening but it was such a shock what happened to this little angel. I believe in the power of prayer. Come home soon Anthony XX Elisa Barreda, Brooks Reach, Horsley
Get well little one. My thoughts are with you and I'm praying that you make a quick and full recovery. The pub team and 'The Prince': Brian Lara signs on for country cricket. Marta Kovacs, Shellharbour
Thinking of you Anthony stay strong gorgeous boy we wish you a super speedy recovery. From Jye from Kinder blue xxx Jackie, Prem 2530
So sorry to hear what has happened, I can't imagine what you and your family must be going through. All my thoughts and prayers go out for Anthony to make a full recovery soon. Kayla, Horsley
Thoughts are with you little man, fingers crossed and prayers from our family to yours xxx The Hibbos, Tarrawanna
My prayers are with Anthony and the family. I couldn't even imagine how difficult this would be. Find the strength to get through this difficult moment and I hope you make a speedy recovery. Marcos, Flinders
To the Millans,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We where shocked at the news and wish Anthony a speedy recovery.
Should any of you need any thing please don't hesitate to contact us we are here for you all.
Love always,
Nicholas Johnson & Amanda Britton, Mt Keira
Sending my love and positive thoughts, can not imagine how use are feeling sending my love to you all xxxxxxxxx April-lee, Berkeley
Hi Jenny, I pray for Anthony and I really hope he gets well soon. Deval Shah, Figtree
God bless my special little grandchild. God is looking over us. Yia yia, Cordeaux Heights
Saying a prayer for your little boy. May God Bless him with a speedy recovery. Stay positive. Thinking of you and your family x Jackie Gorgieski, Warrawong
Our thoughts are with you and your beautiful boy..thoughts are with you every day God bless Rita Mittenzwei, Brooks Reach
Thoughts and prayers are with you Anthony and your family we hope u have a fast recovery xx lots of love Angel Barbaro KB Veronika Barbaro, Horsley
Get well little man keep ur head high mumma bear Janet, Albion Park Rail
Our prayers are with you hope your little boys is doing well. Cheryl Fetters, Tarrawanna
Stay strong guys I'm crossing everything I have that Anthony's recovery is fast and smooth sailing sending all my love Erica Winkelbauer, Warrawong
Thinking of all of you daily!! Missing our little mate with a big smile!! We hope you have a speedy recovery!! Love Kinder Yellow and Mrs Garretty xxx Amanda Garretty, Albion Park
My dear little Angel, keeping you in my prayers at all time, for the Lord who is holding you in the palm of his hand, vesting upon you his healing power. thank to you Jesus christ!!! Josefina Wes, Wollongong
Praying for a full recovery! X Cath, Coledale