Street attack teenager back home

Sam's head is scarred from surgery following the attack and robbery

A 17-year-old boy who was left in a coma after a street attack in Kent has said he feels lucky to be alive.

Sam Eastwell's family believed he would die after he suffered serious head injuries when he was beaten and robbed in Ramsgate on 7 August.

But doctors at King's College Hospital in London were amazed at his rapid recovery and he has now returned home.

He said he had made such speedy progress because of the support he received from family and friends.

"I should have died really," he said. "I feel that I am a miracle - I am very lucky."

Sam was on life support after the assault with multiple organ failure and his parents, Sharon and Stuart, kissed him goodbye before he went into surgery, where a large section of his skull was removed.

I know everyone is supporting me so that makes me physically and mentally stronger Sam Eastwell

Now he says he is delighted to be home.

"I'm getting stronger every day and walking further," he said.

"I've had lots of my friends round every day, just giving me the support I need to get through it."

He said only his family, who had been "top-notch", could really appreciate the full extent of his injuries because they had been at his bedside every day.

He has scars from the 62 staples inserted into his head and his speech is also impaired.

But the football-mad arsenal supporter said he cannot wait to be able to play football with his brothers Daryl, 18, and Callum, nine.

And he hopes to be able to return to his A-level studies at Clarendon House Grammar School in Ramsgate in the next few weeks.

"He's managed to walk around the block, and we went to the local church yesterday morning but he found it quite tiring," said his mother, Sharon.

"The doctors at King's College thought it would take months to get this far.

"He wants to go back to see them all and thank them."

Sam, who wants to be a police officer when he leaves school, has received more than 60 get-well cards.

"With everyone thinking about me, I know they are supporting me, so that makes me physically and mentally stronger to recover more quickly," he said.

Two 16-year-old boys charged with wounding with intent and robbery are next due to appear at Margate Youth Court on 17 September.

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Sam Eastwell suffered serious head injuries after the incident last month