A BOY who was left seriously injured after being hit by a car has been chosen to be an Olympic torchbearer.

In November 2005 Daniel Johnsey, had just started Chepstow Comprehensive School, when he was knocked down near his home in Wilcrick near Magor.

He suffered a severe head injury, a broken pelvis, a broken left arm and his left foot was nearly severed.

He was in a coma for 10 days and in a 'locked-in' state for five months, unable to communicate.

Since this time, he has undergone 29 operations mainly on his leg, and there will be more to operations follow in the coming years when he has stopped growing.

His mum, Sarah, is proud of her son who was originally told he would never walk again. She said: "The fact that he can even walk is a miracle and he has worked so hard to get to where he is today.

"He is looking forward to carrying the torch, and although he is only able to walk slowly with it, his uncle Stephen will be there to aid him."

Daniel, 17, is in Chepstow Comprehensive School's sixth form and although missing a lot of school due to the accident was able to attain six GCSEs, and this is why the school nominated him to be a torchbearer.

Former Chepstow headteacher, John Barnbrook, said: "Daniel is an incredible role model for all of our students and staff and we are very proud of the courageous manner in which he has coped since his accident.

"He never complains and is always positive and is a real character held in high esteem by both staff and peers, he thoroughly deserves the honour of carrying the torch."

His mum added: "He doesn't realise that he has achieved something, he's just so laid back. He is carrying the torch in Malvern, Worcestershire, and I will be going to cheer him on."

In March 2010, Daniel and his uncle, Stephen Flynn, cycled nearly 700 miles across France, raising £6,500 for the charity HCPT.

They hope that they can raise more money for the charity, which helps organise trips to Lourdes for disabled people, in the future.

His parents would like to thank the team at Newport Velodrome who they say without their help Daniel would not be where he is today.

If you are carrying the Olympic torch through Monmouthshire let us know on 01633 777226 or email us at newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk