The baby daughter of late All Blacks star Jerry Collins has awoken from her coma and is breathing unaided in a French hospital.
Three-month-old Ayla has been fighting for survival in hospital following the car crash that claimed the lives of her father Collins and mother Alana Madill three weeks ago.
A statement released by Alana's sister Nora has revealed that Ayla underwent surgery to relieve fluid build-up on her brain and is now breathing on her own and bottle-feeding.
"She emerged from her induced coma approximately one week ago and, since that time, she has been monitored and examined for any negative impacts from the accident of June 5," the statement read.
"We are still uncertain as to the extent of Ayla's injuries and we ask people to continue to pray for Ayla during her recovery. Both our family and the Collins family are completely committed to Ayla's healthcare being the priority at this time. Fortunately, that care is available in France and the staff have been wonderful."
Ayla remains in the Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire in Montpellier.
