THE MOTHER of a 16-year-old car crash victim hopes that by tracking down her daughter s former friends it could help bring her child out of a coma. On November 16, former Stevenage resident Chrissie Johnson was a passenger in her friend s car when they cr

THE MOTHER of a 16-year-old car crash victim hopes that by tracking down her daughter's former friends it could help bring her child out of a coma.

On November 16, former Stevenage resident Chrissie Johnson was a passenger in her friend's car when they crashed into a lorry on the A414 near Chelmsford.

The accident left her with life-threatening injuries and she is currently in a coma in Queen's Hospital, Romford.

Her mother Gina Smith, 37, hopes that by tracking down some of Chrissie's former friends from Stevenage it might help her daughter recover after doctors told the family that it is a patient's long-term memory which can help stimulate coma victims to consciousness.

In other words, hearing the voices of people she knew a number of years ago could have an effect.

Ms Smith, who now lives in Essex, said: "What we want is for people who knew her a few years ago to get in touch and maybe send in voice recordings and anecdotes which might help her get through this.

"She's such a memorable person that people should be able to remember her and hopefully they will get in touch."

Mrs Smith is appealing to any teachers and pupils of Chrissie's two former Stevenage schools, Giles Junior and Barclay, to get in touch.

Giles's headmistress Sue Mitchell said the staff were shocked at hearing the news.

She said: "Chrissie was always full of life and into everything. We can remember going to watch her play in the football team and win matches.

"She was a promising student who was talented at sports, a really lovely girl.

"She had twin brothers in the year below called Richard and James so I expect lots of people would know them too."

Chrissie was also actively involved in local scouts, cubs and beaver groups and members from those groups are also asked to get in touch.

If anyone knew Chrissie and would like to help, contact Mrs Smith on 07823 778753. Alternatively, Giles School in Durham Road has offered to be the collection point of any recordings or letters to be sent to her.