A MAN who was left lying in a coma in a Wrexham road is planning a fundraising "Channel swim" in his local baths.

Greg Vickers suffered life-changing brain injuries and struggles with his speech and sight as a result of being struck down in Borras in 2005.

Despite being disabled he has been able to keep up his interest in swimming and is aiming to complete 60 lengths of Waterworld's 25 metre pool three times each week to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Before his accident the 34-year-old was a serving RAF officer and has been grateful for the support offered by the Services during his long recovery. His parents, Eileen and Ron, have wrestled for answers as to how Greg came to be left lying in the road after a night out in Wrexham, but his plight remains a mystery and a police investigation was unable to ascertain whether he was the victim of a hit and run or had been attacked.

His mother, Eileen, said: "Greg will be doing the equivalent of the Channel swim over a 12-week period. He does swim regularly and trains with the Special Olympics group twice a month so he is a good swimmer.

"He is aiming to raise £550 for the RAF Benevolent Fund and he has opened a Just Giving page."

The RAF stepped in to help Greg's family look after him at home at Snowdon Drive, Garden Village, after he spent 15 months in hospital, during which time he underwent a lengthy period of rehabilitation at Clatterbridge Hospital. Afterwards the former airman was given financial help and encouraged to take part in disability sports.

While he has been unable to resume full-time work, he volunteers at Erlas Victorian Walled Garden helping out with the horticultural project for the disabled.

"Greg suffered six skull fractures and he now only has automatic speech - he can say "yes" or "no" to things," outlined his mother.

"He was so sporty before his accident and he played football for the RAF. But we think he was dragged by the car and left in the road for 11-and-a-half hours before he was found. The only reason he survived was because his brain swelled up within the fractures.

"He had been due to go to a Stereophonics concert in the Liverpool the next day, but never made it. It has been an uphill struggle for 13 years.

"But he is quite a happy fellow and he still loves his sport and has a good group of friends.

"The RAF Benevolent Fund will always be there for him and this is his way of giving something back."

Greg will be undertaking his swimming challenge starting from April 9 at Waterworld.

To support Greg visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/greg-vickers4