A SCHOOLBOY who suffered serious injuries in a coach crash in Austria has spoken for the first time about his ordeal.

Richard Howard was left fighting for his life last month when the coach he was travelling in near Salzberg rolled down the side of a slope and landed upside down.

The 16-year-old has been left paralysed down his right side and faces months of painful hospital treatment.

He is now back at his home in Walkden Road, Worsley, home with his parents Melanie and Martin.

Richard said he cannot remember much about the events of August 10 -- when his holiday suddenly turned into a nightmare. He said: "I was asleep at the time of the crash, but I do remember waking up when the coach was falling down the embankment. I remember a field and a paramedic putting me on a stretcher. It was so scary.

"After that everything is a bit of a blur. I just remember waking up in hospital."

The teenager had been on holiday with his school pal Ian Astley, and Ian's parents, Don and Glennys Astley.

Ian escaped with minor injuries but Mrs Astley suffered a fractured spine and broken ribs and was airlifted to hospital. She is now recovering in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Richard was flown to hospital in Innsbruck where he was in a drug induced coma. The Canon Slade pupil suffered a torn spleen, ruptured liver, lung damage, a badly fractured arm and facial injuries in the accident.

His mum parents flew out to Austria where they kept a bedside vigil.

Richard was flown home to Wythenshawe Hospital nearly two weeks ago, and on Tuesday was allowed to return home by doctors.

The lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan has been left paralysed down his right side -- and now faces a complicated operation in the next two months on his right arm.

But he is determined to make a full recovery. He plans to return to school in December and watch his beloved Wanderers play at the Reebok Stadium. He has received a pennant from Wanderers, and a signed England shirt and poster from the Football Association.

Richard said: "I just want to get back to normal. My family, friends and schoolteachers have been brilliant. They have kept me going, visiting me in hospital and at home. I want to try and get to Bolton's game against Manchester United tomorrow."

His mum Melanie, said: "We're over the moon that Richard is back home with us.

"But Richard is so confident that he can recover that he has given all of the family a lift."

"He is a strong lad and a fighter."

Richard

tells of

coach

ordeal

My holiday coach crash nightmare