11yo girl ‘fights for her life’ after school trip to Government House in Canberra

An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life in ICU a week after a school trip to Government House ended in tragedy when a tree branch fell on students.

An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life in intensive care a week after being hit by a tree branch on an interstate school trip to Government House in Canberra.

The group of Year 6 students from Central Coast Grammar School in NSW had finished a tour of the Governor-General’s residence when a tree branch fell last Wednesday.

One student was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and three others were also injured, principal Phil O’Reagan wrote in a letter to parents at the time.

Anais Betts, 11, remains “unconscious” in the intensive care unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospital after being transferred from Canberra Hospital.

News.com.au was told the family is devastated as their daughter and sister “fights for her life following last week’s tragic accident and emergency neurosurgery”.

“She remains in a critical condition in ICU, surrounded by the exceptional medical and nursing team at Sydney Children’s Hospital, whose expertise and compassion have been the family’s lifeline during this unimaginable time,” a statement on behalf of the family said.

Anais Betts, 11, and her mother Shannon. Picture: Go Fund Me

The statement continued: “Anais is a very special girl with an incredible spirit and remarkable determination, and we’re witnessing that strength now as she continues to fight her battle.

“The outpouring of love from friends and the community has given the family the much needed strength when they need it most.

“We kindly ask for continued prayers and positive thoughts for Anais’s recovery, while also respecting the family’s need for privacy as we navigate these uncertain days. We remain hopeful, grateful, and focused on being there for Anais and each other through every moment of this journey.”

A GoFundMe page has been started by friends who are asking for donations to support Anais and her family with medical bills and expenses to visit and stay by her side in Sydney.

On the fundraising page, Anais is described as a “bright, vibrant young girl with a love for swimming, slime making and bracelet empire building” whose “laughter has always filled the room”.

The NSW Central Coast student is in intensive care in Sydney. Picture: Go Fund Me

The tree from which the branch fell and struck students had been assessed as healthy within the past six months, as is regular protocol for trees on the grounds of Government House, a spokesman from the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General said.

The tragic incident happened “in the area outside the gates of Government House”.

“First aid was rendered on site by AFP officers before some students were taken, via ambulance, to the Canberra Hospital,” the spokesman said.

“The Governor-General and everyone at the Office were very concerned about the wellbeing of the injured student, remain in contact with the school, and send their best wishes for a full recovery.”

Central Coast Grammar principal Phil O’Reagan wrote in a message to parents that one student has been taken to hospital for “urgent medical attention”, while three others also went to hospital for assessment and treatment.

“In addition, two students were assessed at the scene by paramedics and returned to the group,” he said.

The principal said the school was in contact with the affected families and counselling services provided to students.

news.com.au contacted the school for comment.