ALMOST a year ago teenage motorbike rider Phil Gregson was badly hurt in an accident. Had it not been for the quick actions of a crew from Leigh Fire Station, he might not be here today to tell his story to BRIAN GOMM.

Crash victim owes his life to the boys of Red Watch

MIRACLES do happen -- just ask teenager Phil Gregson.

A few weeks before his 17th birthday, his life hung by a thread as he lay in a coma in a hospital intensive care unit after suffering brain damage, two skull fractures, a broken collarbone and numerous cuts and abrasions after a terrifying motorcycle accident.

But Phil owes his life to the quick actions of members of Red Watch at Leigh Fire Station who were returning from a call-out around midnight on April 4 last year when they saw his near-lifeless body lying by the roadside near the Tamar junction, off Wigan Road and Nel Pan Lane.

He had suffered terrible head injuries -- "you could put your fist in the hole he had in the back of his head" said his numbed mum, Julie of Shelley Street, Leigh -- and if the firemen hadn't been passing that way Phil might not have survived.

Former Pennington CE Primary and Lowton High pupil Phil can recall little of the crash that nearly cost him his life and caused wounds requiring 127 stitches in another teenager who was on the bike with him when the accident happened. Neither were wearing protective clothing or crash helmets.

Phil said: "I can't remember what happened, but I've been told the firemen saw the bike and stopped to help me.

"But for them I might not be here."

He was rushed to Wigan Infirmary and in the early hours of the morning was transferred to intensive care at Hope Hospital where he was put on a life support machine. He was in a coma for three and a half weeks with his mum and stepfather Dave constantly by his side.

He had a constant stream of visitors, including his sister and four brothers, and his family were overwhelmed by the messages which arrived willing him to pull through.

"Some of the things his teachers wrote were heart-rending," said his grateful mum, "We didn't know if we were going to lose him. He had severe head injuries and a swollen brain. For two weeks his condition was classed as stable then he took a turn for the worse. It was touch and go. Specialists said the outcome lay in an agreement between Phillip and God.

"But he had the benefit of the best neuro-surgeons, one doctor later asked: 'Do you believe in miracles, because you're looking at one'.

"Only then did they tell us they never expected him to make it."

She revealed how when he first came out of hospital he was depressed. The former Leigh East ARLFC under 16s' scrum-half had lost nearly three stones in weight and was told he would never play rugby again. He also suffered from short-term memory loss and initially they had to feed him and tend to his every need.

Phil explained: "I had lost my co-ordination and couldn't cope at first. I had banging headaches but I really like my job as a fitter and welder at Trafford Tank Wash in Trafford Park and wanted to get back to work."

Now he's back in the daily routine, and though rugby is out, he enjoys watching the game and playing football with his mates -- "I'm all right as long as I don't head the ball."

But he has some strong advice for his anyone interested in bikes -- "If you're going to get on one, make sure you're wearing a helmet and protective gear".

Amazed at the level of concern shown for him by people he didn't really know, Phil had nothing but praise for the emergency services and the concern shown by PC Neil Pennington.

Now rebuilding his life with his girlfriend, Vicky, Phil and his family are grateful for the way the community rallied to his aid.

His mum was amazed: "Neighbours and relatives did washing and cleaning while we were with him at the hospital and the kids were marvellous. We owe them all a big 'thank you', especially the firemen.

"They pulled us out of it again, it's only three years since Red Watch rescued my horse from a ditch and we are so grateful for what they did.

"Now we're just glad to have Phillip back home."