*Content warning: This article contains references to domestic violence.*
Angel appears to be making some progress.
The family of
Angel Lynn, a young woman who was left paralysed after her then-boyfriend, Chay Bowskill, kidnapped her in Leicestershire in 2020, have given an update on her condition.
Angel's case gained widespread attention after
CCTV footage showing the abduction went viral.
In the video, Bowskill can be seen grabbing Angel and putting her into the back of a van. Angel later fell from the van while it was travelling and suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries.
She has been in hospital since the incident.
Bowskill has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for kidnapping, coercive and controlling behaviour and for perverting the course of justice. However, he was not found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.
His friend, Rocco Sansome, who was also in the vehicle, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for kidnapping.
Angel's family have been sharing updates about her condition on a Facebook group called
Supporting Angel's Recovery.
In a recent post, they explained that Angel has "started to squeeze our hand when we ask her things so a squeeze for yes and nothing for no".
https://twitter.com/ITVCentral/status/1486675354702041088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1486675354702041088%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.her.ie%2Fnews%2Fparents-teen-kidnapped-ex-give-emotional-statement-hes-sentenced-546949
They added that while she still can't speak, she will "wave and give finger gestures".
They said: "She can give a tiny smile when asked and will blow a kiss before we leave her it’s difficult for her but slowly she does it."
The family then explained that Angel is making some progress with a tilt table.
They wrote: "She is able to tolerate an average of 20 minutes at 60 degrees tilt with supports. She is able to stand on the Adela advance frame for an average of 10 minutes with pelvic support and the assistance of three physiotherapy staff.
"PLEASE don’t assume Angel can stand or walk she can’t not by a long shot but this is a good start."
They added that while a long road to recovery still awaits Angel, they will never "give up trying".
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact Women's Aid at 1800 341 900. 
