Ron Vickers, of Bradley Road, Wrexham, has revealed that he often went against medical advice in a desperate bid to aid son Greg's recovery after he was found unconcious at the roadside.

More than two years on it is still not clear whether Greg was involved in a vicious attack or a hit and run accident.

Airman Greg was left fighting for his life after he was discovered with serious head injuries at the roadside in Borras Park in September, 2005.

His parents were advised to turn off his life support three times and doctors said he would be non responsive after eight months in a coma.

However the keen sportsman has proved them all wrong and is now representing his country in a number of sports including cricket, athletics and swimming.

His father told the Evening Leader that Greg's progress has been down to a lot of time and hard work.

He said: "It was a gradual thing. Greg had to learn how to use the toilet again and how to walk because all he was used to was lying in a bed. He would be hoisted from his bed into a wheelchair to do physio.

"He looked pathetic at first and did so for many months.

"At Clatterbridge Hospital they worked intensively on him physically and mentally. They could see there was hope and that he could improve and he did."

Mr Vickers said he and his wife Liz have worked tirelessly to get their son to where he is now and even ignored medical advice in a bid to stimulate him.

"Greg has had every therapy on offer and I kept a book of all the therapies we did with him every day. He goes to the gym at least four times a week and swimming and running.

"He goes to the community house in Brynteg and we take him out on social nights."