Doctors told Colin Johnston, an Eastbourne United FC player, he would never walk again but now say they are astounded at the "staggering" improvement he has made.
Colin suffered life-threatening injuries and a broken back when he fell 60ft from the fourth floor roof of a flat in Enys Road in October.
He was taken to Eastbourne DGH where he was air-lifted to a spinal unit in Salisbury, which has the top spinal surgeons in the UK and the best rehabilitation facilities available.
His injuries were severe – seven broken vertebrae in his lower spine, two punctures of his lungs, a broken sternum and cracked ribs.
He underwent a nine-hour operation the following day, where pins and plates were used to repair the shattered bones and a pioneering new technology, where a foam concrete is injected into the crushed vertebrae to strengthen and correct their shape, was used. It is thought that Colin was one of the only patients to have this method, which allows the bone to grow and integrate itself within the foam.
Two weeks later he underwent a further six-hour operation, this time to repair the damage to the front of the spine and although his progress was slow, Colin's determination to fight his injuries and defy the doctors was evident from day one and with the support of close friends and family he began his rehabilitation.
Over the next month he gradually moved to an upright position and eventually into a wheelchair.
Colin's friend Tobi Hutchinson said his improvement has been nothing short of staggering and his enthusiasm, personality and determination was immediately recognised by the staff who afforded him additional time and extra physiotherapy with daily two-hour sessions.
He now has good movement in both legs enabling him fully utilise the gymnasium in the hospital.
Tobi said, "In fact Colin made such impression on the staff and his fellow patients that he was responsible for talking to new admissions to help them come to terms with their injuries and used as an example to inspire them in their recoveries."
Over Christmas Colin enjoyed a brief return to Eastbourne and amazed his family with news that he had managed to take his first steps with the support of parallel bars.
His desire to get back to rehab and continue his work was always evident and he cut short his 'holiday' to return to Salisbury, where he has continued to defy doctors' forecasts in his recovery.
Now, just three months after the horrific accident, he has returned home this week permanently and although still wheelchair-bound, Colin continues to progress and believe he will walk again. He is now able to stand upright unaided and has managed a few steps with the aid of crutches.
Tobi said, "I've know Colin since he was 11-years-old and he was always freakishly athletic and strong. It was that strength, along with a hefty slice of luck that undoubtedly saved his life. However it has been his strength of character that has got him through what has been the toughest period of his life.
"I'm immensely proud of him and his family, for how they have worked through this together. The work that Colin has put into his recovery has been quite simply amazing. I cannot stress that enough. It has been a lesson to us all. He knows there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work still to come, but he has shown nothing is impossible and miracles really can happen if you work hard enough and believe strongly enough."
Colin said, "I just want to say a massive thank you to my friends and family who have been integral to me getting better.
"The minute I was told I was never going to walk again I felt like giving up on life, but all the kind words and messages people have left me, gave me will to fight.With hard work and positive thinking, things are possible. I know there's a long, long way to go but I'll get there. I've met some amazing people here at Salisbury and they won't ever leave my heart. Again, to everyone, thank you."