A MAN who was left fighting for his life after being hit by a taxi has defied doctors predictions and is on the way to making a full recovery.

John Gorton, 35, of Trinity Towers, Accrington Road, Burnley, was originally given only a 10 to 20 per cent chance of survival by doctors but is now breathing for himself for the first time since the accident on Sunday January 21.

He has been taken off a ventilator and was today said by doctors to be 'improving' in the intensive care unit at Burnley General Hospital.

His mum, Ruby Gorton, 73, of Huntroyds Close, Burnley, said although he was making good progress, it was far too early to say when he would be back to normal. But she said: "He has good days and bad days but we are hoping he will make a full recovery. He was doing well and then had a bit of a setback .The doctors didn't expect him to get this far so he's done really well."

"He is still in intensive care because he has a lot of injuries but when he does come round we have been told he will be in a lot of pain. He is breathing by himself but obviously isn't talking yet.

"The doctors up at the hospital have been marvellous. They really have looked after him well.

"He had a restful night last night. He is much better than he was but we will have to wait and see. It could be months before he is on the road to recovery."

John's family, including sisters Christine, Marilyn and Jacqueline, and brother Raymond, have been keeping a bedside vigil since the accident but work mates and friends have been kept away because of the seriousness of John's injuries.

Mr Gorton, who works in the pensions department at the Benefits Agency, in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, was allegedly chased into the path of the taxi, in Westgate, Burnley, by two attackers.

A 20-year-old man, of no fixed address and a 16-year-old youth, appeared before Burnley Magistrates last month charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.