Adrian Appleby, 19, was travelling home along the A57 and onto the A1 South towards Elkesley at around midnight on the night of Monday 25th February.

Adrian's mum Joanne woke the next morning to find her son had not returned from work. She began searching for him and a short time later police and Joanne found him.

The youngster had been involved in an incident that left him unconscious in a ditch at the side of the A1 with serious injuries to his spine and legs.

He was flown to Lincoln County Hospital at 9.30am and was admitted to intensive care, where he received life saving treatment.

Five weeks on, Adrian remains in hospital receiving continued treatment for his injuries.

"It doesn't matter how old your child is you still worry about them," said Joanne. "When I woke and found that Adrian was not home, I knew instantly that something was wrong. He always calls to tell me if he is stopping at a friend's house and when he hadn't called and wasn't home I became upset and afraid for him. "

"I am just so relieved that he is now starting to make progress with his treatment, though his life will never be the same. All that I would say to anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, please contact the police. If you don't want to give your name please give your information anonymously to Crimestoppers, but please still give the information."

From his hospital bed, Adrian told Notts Police that he is struggling to come to terms with what happened.

"I just cannot believe what has happened to me, I was unconscious and when I came round I felt very cold and alone," said Adrian. " I knew that I was seriously injured and was afraid of what might happen to me if I was not found. I am still in pain and discomfort."

"I have been told that the things that I used to enjoy, such as playing football, ice skating and go-karting, I may not be able to do in the future due to the nature of my injuries. I think really I am just trying to take it all in, take in the fact my life will never be the same again."

Before his accident, Adrian played football for a local Retford team. He remains an avid Doncaster Rovers fan.

Det Con Gail Routledge of Notts Police crash investigation unit said: "We have not eliminated the possibility that Adrian may have been struck by another vehicle that then left the scene."

"If this is the case we need to speak to this driver. If you are that driver and you think were involved in this collision I am urging you to come forward. We also need to speak to any witnesses who have not already spoken to the police."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Mrs Routledge at the crash investigation unit on 0115 9670999, or call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.