The mother of a 16-year-old boy involved in a devastating road accident yesterday thanked the community for the overwhelming support now helping her family through his hospitalisation.

Roslyn Amory said the prayers and well wishes have meant a great deal to her, her husband Andre, and Shakir's twin sister Shakira all rooting for Shakir to recuperate from serious head, leg and internal injuries.

The CedarBridge Academy student was riding his auxiliary cycle along South Road near the Brighton Hill junction around 11.30 p.m. on Saturday when he was involved in a collision with a car driven by a 36-year-old woman from Smith's.

The driver sustained injuries to her right hand and leg. She was subsequently arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

Yesterday Shakir was said to be in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

"Thanks to all who have been praying for Shakir," Mrs. Amory said yesterday. "He is not out of the woods yet, but he is getting better.

"If everything continues to progress smoothly, it is possible that he may be on a general ward in about a week. Thanks again for all the prayers."

Mrs. Amory said her son was in a medically-induced paralysis but doctors intended to bring him out as the pressure in his head had stabilised.

She cited the fact that he was breathing on his own with the aid of a respirator as evidence his health was improving. And she said in a few days doctors might be able to operate on his legs and jaw.

Stefan Burton-Schull is the pastor of the St. George's Seventh-day Adventist Church where the Amory family worships.

He said congregation members came across the accident, informed Police and called him soon after.

Pastor Burton-Schull said he drove straight to KEMH, and remained there with the family until 3.30 a.m.

"I know he is a very athletic guy," he said. "Most of the time I see him in church he is more of a quiet guy but very committed.

"He was not one of those gung-ho young people; he wouldn't drive his bike recklessly like some of those young people. Shakir wasn't reckless."

The prayers of the Seventh-day community are with the family, he added.

"While there was quite a shock there was support from the church for the family. So they were worried but they are also grateful that people are praying for them.

"It's unfortunate that we have a brilliant young man and he gets hit by a car and now find himself in ICU. It seems so unfair. He was always going to church and believed in God.

"Something good will come out of something bad. How this will play out in Shakir's life has yet to be seen."

President of the Seventh-day Adventist conference Jeffrey Brown, added his support.

He said he knew the family well as Mrs. Amory is his administrative assistant.

"She's quite a strong person," he said. "I was just opening an e-mail she sent yesterday where she said she just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers.

"And she also says please pray for the lady involved in the accident. So she seems to be large-hearted as it were. She's a devoted mother and an excellent worker without a question."

He continued: "They both said they are thankful for the outpouring of support they have had from Bermuda and overseas. They are a nice family and they are not the kind that seek the limelight. They are just a humble, Christian family.

"They have been very encouraged by support from the principal [of CedarBridge Kalmar Richards] as well as the school in general. There has been great sympathy and support.

"You hear it should not have happened to such a nice family. At least right now they don't seem to have any bitterness in terms of the driver. They just want to pray for the welfare of their son."

Shakir's friends have shown their concern and support with Facebook posts.

Wrote one on Sunday: "Hang in there Shakir... our prayers are with you..."

n Anyone with information about the accident should contact PC Preston Gill on 295-001.