HORROR crash victim Gary Jones said today: "I'm glad to be alive."

Speaking from his hospital bed - to which he has been confined since before Christmas - Mr Jones today relived the nightmare ordeal in which he was run over twice as he tried to prevent an accident.

He was left with serious injuries and is facing a long road to recovery.

However, he said he was comforted by the support he had received from family and friends and the first class treatment from hospital staff, including the skin specialists who worked to save his leg.

Still clearly traumatised by events, he said: "When I came round in hospital after my first operation it felt like I was in a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

"I was in complete denial about what had happened - it was horrible.

"It's still hard to fathom now but I'm just glad to be alive.

"I know that I'm very lucky and I could have died that day."

Marketing manager Mr Jones, 34, of Chapelhay, Weymouth, was on his way home from work in Dorchester and stopped to help an elderly couple whose car had hit a deer on the A352 at Whitcombe.

He moved the animal but was hit by a car as he crossed the road and was thrown about 20 metres, landing on a verge. Seconds later another car ran over his leg as he lay injured.

The driver of that car did not stop and police are still appealing for the driver to come forward.

Mr Jones suffered a badly broken leg, a broken arm and fractures to his collarbone, pelvis, ribs and vertebrae.

He was initially treated at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester but was transferred to the burns unit at Salisbury District Hospital where a complex skin graft was carried out which resulted in muscle being transferred from his abdomen and a metal pin inserted into his leg.

He now faces another operation before he is transferred back to Dorchester and could be there for a further two months.

He spent Christmas surrounded by his family - mum Helga, brother Steve and his wife Libby - and has received numerous visits by friends.

Mr Jones said: "The hospital staff have been amazing, everyone has.

"I've got a long path ahead and it'll be a long time before I can walk but I'm taking it one day at a time.

"I knew I had good friends but this has really brought it home, they have been so kind.

"I even got a card and present from a man I don't know. He said it was a shame I paid such a high price for helping others. The events of that night are a blur. I knew I had to move the deer as it was going to cause an accident.

"I remember cars swerving to avoid it and thinking someone is going to get hurt. I didn't think it would be me."

Mr Jones plans to write an Internet 'blog' detailing his road to recovery.

"It's a life-changing experience. Everyone has been saying how lucky I am and it really does make you think.

"I'm remaining positive but I have moments when I drop again.

"I miss walking around and partying with my mates. When I come out we'll have a big get-together and then I'll get on with my life."

Mr Jones says people can contact him via email: theonewhoistall@gmail.com