A POPULAR young bin man is back home with his family after making an amazing recovery from horrific head injuries.
A month ago, Aled Shearn, 20, from Caldicot, lay in an intensive care unit battling for life after apparently falling from the back of a moving truck.
Doctors operated to remove a blood clot from his brain and his devastated family kept a bedside vigil.
For days Aled could not recognise or communicate with those around him in Cardiff's University of Wales Hospital.
But today Aled's parents Sian, 44, and Peter, 47, have their son back home with them after Aled stunned his family with his fighting spirit.
Aled, of Goldfinch, Caldicot, cannot remember the accident, or indeed the month that proceeded it, but he is now looking to the future.
"It was so good to have him home because we didn't know if he was going to make it.," said Mrs Shearn.
"He has done so well to recover and we are just glad he's here."
The talented musician begins months of neuro rehabilitation to regain the strength in his legs and improve his slightly impaired speech caused by the accident.
Aled said: "It's great to be home and I have seen all my friends and family.
"I feel good in myself but I can't quite walk or talk properly. It will take a while but I've just got to get on with it."
It is still unclear exactly how Aled suffered his injuries.
He was found unconscious by workmates on a country road between Llanhennock and Tredunnock during a routine pick up.
"I don't know what happened but maybe it is best I don't remember."
A Monmouthshire council spokeswoman said: "A police investigation is currently ongoing.
"As soon as that is complete, we will hold our own internal investigation into what happened."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article