MEDICAL miracle Martin Hawkins is today zipping into his wetsuit to take part in an open water swimming challenge after a car crash left him unconscious and fighting for his life.

MEDICAL miracle Martin Hawkins is today zipping into his wetsuit to take part in an open water swimming challenge after a car crash left him unconscious and fighting for his life.

The 44-year-old was knocked over by a car as he was waiting to cross an Ipswich road sustaining extensive head injuries, a broken jaw and nose and complete memory loss.

His friends and family waited as he lay in a stable coma with little chance of recovery.

But battling against his injuries, brave Mr Hawkins has learnt to read, write and walk again despite doctors warning his parents he may never wake up.

Today the keen swimmer is taking on a new challenge, throwing himself into the Great East Swim at Alton water to raise money for the organisations and charity that played a vital role in his speedy recovery.

See tonight's Evening Star for the full story.