A BATTLING toddler who survived a car accident is recovering at home after defying the medical odds.

Doctors gave three-year-old Owen Harper, of Brierley Street, Crewe, no chance of survival after he suffered severe head injuries following the accident in Bentilee at Stoke-on-Trent in March.

They told his family to fear the worst after he was flung more than 30ft after the collision with the car and doctors feared he would not wake up despite surviving.

Owen's recovery has been slow but he is now back at home and learning to walk again. He undergoes extensive physiotherapy as well as therapy to aid his speech.

When the accident happened the family were visiting Owen's grandmother. His mum, Joanne McCue, 24, was inside the house feeding his baby sister Amy when the accident happened and she says the whole family is delighted with her 'little fighter's' progress.

She said: 'I couldn't believe it had happened because I never leave him alone. He just sneaked out.

'His dad Andrew and nana followed him to see where he was. I heard the car tyres screech and knew straight away it was Owen.

'It was a horrible experience. Someone had to be with him all the time. There were lots of tears and hardly any sleep.

'His sister Amy, who is nine months old, was only newborn then so it was hard looking after her and spending time in the hospital.

'I was scared for the first week, but as Owen came round I became more optimistic.

'It's hard work looking after a baby and a disabled child, but it's also a blessing. He's still here and that's all that matters to me.'

Owen left the Paediatric Intensive Care unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire the day after his third birthday and spent eight weeks recovering at Leighton Hospital before being allowed home.

Since the accident the family have held fundraising events as a way saying thank you to the paediatric intensive care unit and to Ward 17 at Leighton Hospital. They have raised more than £2,000 so far.

Joanne added: 'I think we are really lucky that Owen has pulled through. He is definitely a fighter. He has determination and has had lots and love and support.

'It makes me appreciate what I have and how special my children are.'