Just four months ago Sabah Saleem was left for dead along with her brother in a horrifying hit-and-run just yards from their home.
But now the 10-year-old fighter will be celebrating her birthday with her mum and dad after making a remarkable recovery.
As reported in the YEP, the siblings were left fighting for their lives after they were struck by a car in a near-tragedy that shocked the community.
Sabah, 10 and Rayhan, who is now three, were helping their family prepare for their Eid celebrations and were sent to a nearby shop with their cousin to purchase some vegetables.
Bright Sabah, who is a pupil at Burley St Matthew’s School, had just finished reading the Koran and was looking forward to a party being held to celebrate her achievements.
But the family’s celebrations were cut short as the brave youngster spent weeks unconscious, with medics battling to save her in hospital.
Sabah was hailed a “hero” by her family after it emerged that she was thought to have taken the brunt of the impact in a bid to shield her beloved brother from the force of the smash on August 18.
Their heartbroken family faced an agonising wait for news following the incident on Brudenell Road, in Hyde Park, as the youngsters were rushed to Leeds General Infirmary.
Their mother, housewife Tazeem Noor, 32 and father, IT analyst, Mohammed Saleem, 37, maintained a tearful vigil as their children fought for survival.
And their uncle Aroon Rafique, and family were left caring for the couple’s other two daughters, aged eight and 10 months.
Rayhan was released from hospital just weeks after the incident but his family said he “lost his sparkle” when he came home.
Now little fighter Sabah, who remained critically ill in hospital for months, has finally been allowed to go home at weekends.
And the family are set to hold a special party on Sunday to celebrate her birthday.
Beaming father Mohammed Saleem Rafique said: “It’s nice for her to be home for her birthday and we’re going to have a party because it’s her sister’s birthday this week too.
“It’s all the more special now.”
He said that the tragedy has made the family stronger.
“Our faith is much more stronger than before,” he said.
“I wouldn’t like anyone else to go through this.”
Sabah has to undergo intense physiotherapy because her right-hand side is weaker following the crash and her parents have been told she could still face weeks in hospital.
Her family still have no idea when she is likely to be discharged but said they are just thrilled to be reunited during their precious weekends together.
Mr Rafique said: “Rayhan is fine and Sabah is much better.
“She’s still in hospital but comes home at weekends.
“We are a lot more positive but it’s still early days.”
He added: “Sabah has really missed home. It’s been four months.
“The family are all happy to see her and we pray to God and God saved her.”
Mr Rafique said the family have been touched by the support they have received from well-wishers following the incident.