A HOLIDAYMAKER left fighting for his life after being hit by a wheel during a freak road accident in America has been flown back to Bolton.

Philip Gallimore, aged 42, of Brownlow Fold, landed at the Royal Bolton Hospital on Friday d morning in a private air ambulance.

Doctors agreed he was well enough to fly home to continue his rehabilitation on Wednesday afternoon. He has been assessed by doctors in Bolton.

The extent of the long term damage is not yet known and Mr Gallimore will have to learn to eat, talk and walk again.

But his mother Margaret, who was travelling in the same car as Mr Gallimore when the crash happened, said her son's condition was improving each day.

She added: "He opened his eyes a few times and put his hand on his forehead. It's been a hard time for us all and it's difficult seeing him lying there so helpless.

"We don't know if he'll make a complete recovery, but it's good to get him back in Bolton. That's a huge weight off my mind."

The 42-year-old had travelled to Rhode Island, Connecticut, with his mother Margaret to see his sister Lindsey who emigrated 18 years ago.

As they were driving on the outskirts of Warwick, a tyre fell off a passing trailer and crashed through the windscreen on September 9.

Mr Gallimore, who is a keen pool player, was sitting in the front seat and took the full impact of the collision.

His mother said: "I remember looking up and seeing the wheel heading right for us.

"It was upon us within seconds and was terribly frightening. I was left covered in blood."

He suffered severe swelling to the brain and was placed in a medical induced coma in hospital.

After several days, Mr Gallimore was moved out of intensive care and during the last week his condition has gradually improved.

His sister Lindsey Green said: "When I last saw him in hospital here, he was awake and sat in a chair.

"He is getting stronger every day. He has been undergoing physiotherapy.

"He is not always aware of his surroundings and can only say a few words. Sometimes he knew who I was and other times he didn't.

"I'm glad he is home but I will miss him. It is better for him that he is back in Bolton where his friends can visit him.

"I will probably come to Bolton to see him but I want to wait a while until he has improved even more."