Hainault victim of Stockwell gang shooting Thusha Kamaleswaran takes first steps

A schoolgirl who spent 12 months in hospital after being shot while playing in her aunt’s shop, has taken her first steps after being left “paralysed” by gunmen.

Thusha Kamaleswaran, seven, who lived in Tomswood Hill, Hainault when she was gunned down in Stockwell Food and Wine, south London in March 2011, was left fighting for her life.

After more than a year in hospital and numerous operations, the Manford Primary School, Manford Way, Hainault, pupil has taken her first steps and told ITV News yesterday how she still dreams of being a dancer.

Thusha, who was told she would never walk again, said: “I can’t wait until I can walk properly on my own again.

“I want to dance around and play basketball with my friends. When I grow up I’d like to be doctor because I would like to look after children.”

Gunman Nathaniel Grant, 21, was jailed for a minimum of 17 years while fellow gang members Kazeem Kolawole, 19, and Anthony McCalla were jailed for 14 years each in April last year.

The former Fairlop Primary School, Colvin Gardens, Hainault pupil added: “I want to play with my friends and travel the world. When I was in hospital I practised walking on a treadmill and getting stronger, and timed how many minutes I could walk for.

“My family help me every day, and my mum helps me to dress up.”

Her father Jeyakumar Ghanasekaram, 38, speaking last year about the moment he saw Thusha after three emergency operations, said: “I didn’t know what to do, my brain froze. I just kept crying, it was all I could do.”

In September, Met Police officers who investigated the shooting tackled the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, raising £185,000 towards Thusha’s round-the-clock care.

To donate, visit www.thushafund.co.uk.