'Miracle' of coma boy's recovery (From Barry And District News)

'Miracle' of coma boy's recovery

BARRY teenager has fought back from the brink of death after mystery injuries left him in a coma. Nineteen-year old Chris Richmond was found unconscious at Birdcage Walk last November.

He was rushed to University Hospital of Wales suffering from a fractured skull and chest injuries. But now the former Barry Boys' student is up and about with no sign of the brain damage doctors had feared.

Chris, of Arno Road, told the News: "I was bored and frustrated there, so I decided to discharge myself. I have had no ill-effects from the coma although I have to build up my muscles."

The teenager has already been out with his mates, wants to learn to drive and is keen to get back to work as a warehouse worker.

Chris's dad, also called Christopher, and his uncle, Howard, kept a bedside vigil at the hospital, sleeping there every night.

Howard, who also lives in Arno Road, said: "We would sleep on the hospital chairs. But each night we were woken by patients coming into the hospital and as we slept near two vending machines we would be woken by them.

"We did not care because we only worried about Chris, not ourselves.

He added: "Now it's great how well he is. We were told by consultants that he would more than likely have brain damage, but he is doing fine."

On Christmas Day the youngster's lung collapsed for the third time, doctors told the family Chris could have suffered irreversible brain damage and he was rushed to intensive care on numerous occasions.

But Chris should be completely recovered in a matter of weeks.

His mum, Linda Richmond, 50, said: "We nearly lost him four times. So it is great to get him back home."

Barry Police are still investigating the incident that caused Chris's injuries on November 22, 2003.

Despite publicity in the News, the cause of his fall remains a mystery.