Stephen Adams, critically injured in a quad bike smash in Greece, has told of his determination to make a full recovery.

Stephen Adams in hospital with parents John and Linda and girlfriend Carianne Smith

Stephen, 23, of St Peter's Road, Wolvercote, was left fighting for his life after the smash on the Ionian island of Zante on September 24.

His fiance Carianne Smith, 20, was also injured but was well enough to fly home - unlike Stephen who needed intensive care in an Athens hospital.

At first Stephen's insurance company refused to pay for his flight because he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and the policy did not cover the quad bike but the firm relented after the case was highlighted by the Oxford Mail.

Speaking from his bed at the Churchill Hospital where he is receiving physiotherapy, the Oxford Mail printer thanked the Mail for reporting his plight and the Wolvercote community who have rallied round and held fundraising drives.

He added that Carianne, a Newsquest Oxfordshire receptionist, had been "a lifeline" and had hardly been away from his bedside since he was airlifted back to Brize Norton last month.

"She has been my life support," said Stephen whose condition has improved rapidly in recent weeks.

"Carrie, mum and dad and my friends have been so supportive and that has really cheered me up. "I am just glad this happened to me and not Carrie. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if this had been her lying here."

Stephen said he hoped to be home to spend Christmas with the family.

He added: "I'm dying to get home to see my car - it's a black BMW 316 4eg and I want to see my ginger cat Shabba.

"I want to thank everyone for their support, their generosity and their donations."

Stephen said he could not remember the crash or even booking the holiday.

"Young people should think twice before they get on a quad bike and make sure they take all the right safety precautions," he added.

"They need to be safe and I don't think I'll be getting on one again."

Stephen's father John, 61, also an Oxford Mail printer, said: "I have little doubt that we would still be in Greece if it was not for the Mail highlighting Stephen's case. He has improved 100 per cent since he has come home and no longer has any tubes in his chest.

"Gradually, with the help of the physio, he is getting the strength back in his arms and legs. The nursing staff are doing an excellent job."

Carianne added: "There has been a massive improvement over the last couple of weeks. He has even got his wicked sense of humour back."

Mum Linda, 52, said: "Stephen had to be told he was 23 the other day, not 21 - he's lost two years of his life. But his memory is gradually returning and we are really looking forward to getting him home."