Neck stab victim Abigail able to speak and feel

STABBING victim Abigail Witchalls yesterday revealed she has regained sensation in most of her body as medics hailed her courageous recovery.

“God is doing beautiful things,” said 26-year-old Ms Witchalls, who was considered likely to die after she was knifed in the neck on April 20 near her home in Little Bookham, Surrey.

“I have sensation over most of my body and the pain is less now. I can move my head, but as yet I cannot move my arms and legs. I can breathe and speak on my own for short periods.

“Please pass on my thanks to everyone for their support and prayers. God is doing beautiful things.”

Meanwhile, the hunt for Ms Witchalls’ attacker, who also threatened her 21-month-old son Joseph, continues.

Ms Witchalls’ husband Benoit last night issued a public appeal on BBC Crimewatch, which also features a reconstruction.

On his “remarkable” wife, Mr Witchalls told the programme: “We feel very lucky and very blessed because she is fully present as herself, it’s just great to see and it’s a great joy.”

Surrey Police senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Adrian Harper said 700 calls had already been received.

At least two people are regarded as suspects and a further 38 names are being followed up, he said.

One suspect is Richard Cazaly, who fled Little Bookham five days after the attack and died of an apparent paracetamol overdose in Edinburgh on April 30.

The 23-year-old former public schoolboy who lived close to Mrs Witchalls, is said to have left three suicide notes, including one which said: “I must have done it.”

Police are awaiting results of DNA tests on material taken from Cazaly’s body and from a bag of knives recovered from his car.