IT has been a journey of courage and a voyage of re-discovery.

Simon Tomlinson

IT has been a journey of courage and a voyage of re-discovery.

Kyle Knights has today taken another giant leap towards re-building his life by learning to ride a bicycle again after a near-fatal scooter accident.

The 17-year-old astonished doctors with his miraculous turnaround since the crash with a car in Ipswich 18 months ago.

But he suffered serious brain injuries and woke from his coma with no memories of his life.

Kyle, of Pinmill Close, Ipswich, said: “I could remember who my family were, but my childhood has gone out of my mind. It's like I'm 17, but aged two.”

The former Chantry High School pupil has just experienced his “first” Christmas and has learned to read, write and walk again.

His mother, Maria, said Kyle had forgotten he used to be a BMX competitor for Suffolk when he was around nine-years-old - until he got on the bike he was given for winning the Courageous Child category in the Stars of Suffolk Awards.

Mrs Knights, 43, said: “He didn't remember when we showed him all the photos and trophies. It didn't sink in.

“But when he went on the bike, it triggered his memories back. It has given him so much confidence.”

Kyle added: “I was scared about my balance, but it was great. I was loving it. I didn't think I would be able to do it.

“I have proved a lot of people wrong. I am happy I am close to how I was before.”

Kyle has endured months of gruelling rehabilitation after sustaining crippling injuries, but he is now fighting fit and even having gym sessions with a personal trainer.

Currently studying at Otley College to integrate him back into education, he is desperately hoping to make it onto his dream plumbing course at Suffolk College in September.

He will soon be independent enough to allow his mother to return to work and has been a source of admiration for his father, Kelvin, sister Kerrie, 25, and 20-year-old brother Darryl, a former Ipswich Town footballer.

Do you have message for Kyle? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

KYLE was recognised for his bravery at the Stars of Suffolk Awards - a county-wide search for inspirational people.

The 17-year-old won the Outstanding Bravery category at a ceremony on February 5 - much to his surprise.

Kyle said: “I heard my name and said 'yes!' It was a shock. It was great to see all those people who won and the stories about why they won. The evening went really well.”