FINLAY MacBurnie is only 17 years old, but a freak motorbike accident, in which he hit a badger, means he may never walk again.

The teenager has been recovering in hospital since being thrown off his bike on the outskirts of his home village of Long Hanborough in October.

He clipped what he is convinced was a badger, which jarred the front wheel, sending him flying him over the handlebars.

The injuries were horrific. Almost every bone in Finlay’s neck was shattered and he lost the use of his arms and legs.

His mum Leoniza MacBurnie arrived at the scene before the ambulance after a neighbour raised the alarm.

“I feared the worst,” said the 51-year-old. “He just said to me: ‘I can’t feel my legs, what is going to happen?’”

Finlay was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, and underwent emergency surgery on his neck.

“It was shock at first,” explained the teenager, who has now spent six months in the specialist spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury.

But now the pupil at Bartholomew School, Eynsham, is fighting back. He recently regained the feeling in his arms, though he is learning to deal with the fact he may never walk again.

His parents praised his courage. Mrs MacBurnie said: “I just smile every time I see him. He has been so brave.”

Finlay is looking forward to the future and is determined to make the best of his situation. He said: “There is a chance I will walk again, but probably not. If anything comes back it is a bonus.”

“I am not one of those people who feels sorry for themselves. You have got to realise that you need to get through it. But I do not think I could have done it without everyone’s support.

“I have realised how many great friends I have and how many great people there are around the village.”

Finlay had recently started his A-Levels at Bartholomew, when the crash occurred. He hopes to go back to the school in September.

Friends and neighbours have banded together to raise money so he can achieve his dream, of getting back to class. About £4,500 has already been raised to buy an electric wheelchair and gadgets to make his life easier.

A group of fundraisers from Long Hanborough, Eynsham and Freeland will hold charity concerts on July 15 and 16, with the aim of raising an extra £10,000.

The events will also feature an auction of novelty $1m notes, brought back from the USA by fundraiser Tom von Kaenel, from Freeland.

He said: “We are doing this to enable Finlay to complete his studies and get on with his life. It is a very worthy cause.”

The concert of music made famous by the Rat Pack, takes place at Bartholomew School on July 15 and 16. For tickets, which cost £10, visit Evenlode DIY, in High Street, Eynsham, or call Bob and Joan Buckingham on 01993 882468.