A NORTHWICH teenager who was hit by a car in Northwich town centre has defied the odds by making a full recovery.

Doctors feared 18-year-old Jacob Starkey could be left permanently brain damaged after the accident in Chesterway on October 19.

But 15 weeks later he is walking, talking, texting and even back in touch with his friends on Facebook.

Family friend Amanda Johnson, 43, said his recovery has been an inspiration.

She said: “At first he was off sedation but he still wasn’t totally aware.

“Then he started to recognise people more. The first time he spoke was to say he wanted the tube out of his throat.

“His progress since then has been brilliant, it’s astounded everybody. Something just clicked in him and he’s determined and that’s it. In four weeks time we’re hoping he will be home permanently.

“And he’s determined that he won’t be going home in a wheelchair. At the moment he’s still using a frame but he can walk without it.”

Jacob is due to leave the rehabilitation ward at Haywood Hospital, in Stoke, for the first time today, Wednesday, for a trip back to his home in Waterside View, near Broken Cross, to see what adaptations it will need.

Around £1,250 has been raised through generous dontaions from the public.

Witton Albion supporter Mark Winnington raised £162 with a match-day collection and this will be used to buy safety rails to give Jacob that extra bit of help.

Amanda added: “The physio team is going to say what’s needed and how he copes with the stairs. It’s early days so he’ll probably need a few rails to start with.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who made a donation or supported Jacob. But most of all it’s his family that has pulled him through this, he just wants to get back home to his family, it is all about them.”