Caring Crossgates shows its support after Ethan's accident

Ten-year-old Ethan Dair was left with serious injuries to his mouth and was rushed to A&E after the frightening episode.

Caring neighbours in the village have sent cards, vouchers and gifts to the young lad, including a Stars Wars Lego set from Premier shop owner Robert Kirkwood.

Ethan was sledging on a hill with friends on December 30 when he crashed into a wire fence at the new housing at Scott Court.

His mum Denise said: “It is a well known place for sledging as I went there as a child.

“I received this phone call to say Ethan was hurt and when I got there I knew it wasn’t good as I couldn’t see much for blood.

“I rushed him to A&E first but waited so long I ended up taking him to our dentist. Six of his teeth have been affected and they're waiting to see what treatment is needed.

“The dentist had to put the teeth back in place and two were actually dislodged by a piece of wire in between. There were cuts to his face too.”

Denise, who ironically works in dentistry herself with NHS Fife, is thankful the accident wasn’t any more serious and residents are looking into whether they can make the fence more safe.

“It could have been a lot worse if the wire was around his neck,” Denise said. “It was quite frightening because he was going at a rate of knots down that hill.

“I’m absolutely gutted because we always took good care of his teeth, being in the line of work I’m in. It’s difficult not knowing what treatment he will need right now and what’s ahead.

“I’m really thankful to everyone that has been so supportive and for the lovely cards and gifts he has received.

“A lot of people would sledge on that hill and I’m told that there has been a lot of near misses so people are avoiding the area now, but if someone does know I’m just worried there might be another accident.

“Residents have found out that it’s the households on Scott Court that have responsibility for it so they’re looking into what can be done.”