Told he'd never walk again, teenager is on target to conquer West Highland Way

A TEENAGER who broke his neck during a rugby match was last night on target to complete a 96-mile walk.

Conner Docherty feared he would never walk again following the accident three years ago, but now looks set to complete the last stage of his week-long trek of the West Highland Way.

The Paisley teenager was 16 when he broke three bones in his neck while playing rugby for his school, St Aloysius College.

Connor has undergone hundreds of hours of physiotherapy and can now walk several miles with the aid of one crutch.

Following his accident, Connor had more than 11 hours of surgery. Despite being told he was unlikely to regain movement below his shoulders, Conner realised he had sensation and could move one of his toes.

Six months after the accident he walked out of hospital on crutches.

The Strathclyde University student then planned the walk to raise money for the Murrayfield Centenary Fund, which supports rugby players who have suffered spinal injury.

He is also making the walk in memory of Scottish Rugby Union boss Bill Hogg, who died suddenly earlier this year.