“WHEN times got hard, all I could think of was Grace.”

Car crash survivor Joe Robinson was yesterday gven a rousing reception by friends and family as he finished an emotional cycle ride from Paris to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital as a tribute to his friend Grace Hadman.

The 19-year-old, who had been given just a three per cent chance of recovery following the car crash on the A34 that claimed Grace’s life in April last year, had previously stopped to lay flowers at her memorial bench at St Edward’s School in Woodstock Road. The pair had both gone to the school.

The 280-mile journey took three-and-a-half days to complete and raised £32,395.17 for the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Joe was accompanied on the rideby his brother, Harry, 24, and best friend, Mallam Grant, 20.

Joe’s sister Grace Robinson, 18, accompanied the riders for the final eight miles.

In France they battled torrential storms and almost missed their ferry home.

Today the trio were joined by 60 friends and family, who cycled with them to the hospital to hand over a cheque to its neurointensive care unit.

Joe said: “When we arrived at the school and saw all the people it was amazing and I wanted to cry.

“Some of the cycling was really hard, but I kept Grace in my mind.

“I’d like to think she would’ve been proud of us.”

Joe was in a car with Grace and two other friends when it crashed on the A34 between Pear Tree and Botley on April 7.

Grace, 17, was killed, while Joe was left fighting for his life in the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Driver Gabriella Edmondson was jailed for two years and three months in October after admitting causing death by careless driving while drunk.

Joe suffered five broken vertebrae, a fractured skull, and was in a coma for 24 days. He subsequently contracted MRSA, meningitis and pneumonia.

Grace’s mother Carol, who lives in Gloucestershire, was at the finish line to cheer Joe home.

She said: “When the boys got to the school they did a lap of honour for Grace and that made me really proud.

“It’s lovely they are remembering her, and I’m sure she would’ve been very happy at what they’ve done.”

Joe’s brother Harry, who kept people updated via the online networking site Twitter, said: “There were lots of ups and downs but we struggled through. And it was worth it.”

Mr Grant added: “Whoever said north France was flat lied. It was incredibly hilly.”

Specialists at the hospital estimated Joe’s treatment, which included round-the-clock care, operations, drugs, and feeding, cost about £1m.

He has vowed to try and pay the sum back.

Joe’s surgeon, Richard Kerr, said: “We’re very grateful and delighted to see Joe upright and looking forward to the rest of his life.”

To sponsor Joe, visit justgiving.com/jr4jr