A CRASH victim who was on the brink of death four months ago is facing a bright new year after making a remarkable recovery.
Promising sportsman Nicky Attardo, 21, spent eight weeks in a coma and was told by doctors that he may never walk again after his legs were crushed in the wreck.
The football fanatic had secured a place on a sports degree course at Wakefield Colle
ge and had planned to become a sports trainer or physiotherapist when his life was suddenly blown apart in August.
Firefighters had to cut him free from the wreckage of his Peugeot 106 after his car collided with an Audi on Aberford Road, Stanley. Doctors spent 48 hours battling to save him, but feared that he could be left brain-damaged.
As well as suffering two broken legs, he had chest injuries, a shattered kneecap and a broken jaw.
But despite his horrific injuries, his recovery has stunned his dad Nick, mum Wendy and brother Joe and he is now back at his home on Church Hill Farm in Crofton.
This week, he spoke to the Express for the first time since leaving hospital.
He said: "I can't remember anything about the crash, only when I was coming round in hospital. After months in hospital everything suddenly became clear and I began to put my life back together piece by piece."
Mr Attardo has been left with short-term memory loss and limited use of his right leg, but he is determined not to let it affect his life.
He added: "It has all been very confusing, I am almost starting my life from scratch.
"At first I found it difficult recognising people's faces and what were familiar places, but it is gradually coming back to me.
"I'm not sure what the future holds career-wise, but I've got a few ideas. I have been offered a job as an electrician with a firm in Castleford but I am keeping my options open for the minute. I still hope to get back playing football."
His dad, Nick Attardo, 45, said: "This is like a miracle. When Nicky was in intensive care there were families there whose children were involved in car accidents and they weren't so lucky.
"It is amazing that my son has come through what he has.
"The whole family feels it's brilliant to have Nicky back. To spend Christmas and New Year with the whole family together again was superb after four months of mental trauma."
No-one else was injured in the crash.
