FRIENDS of an Alvechurch teenager who spent last Christmas fighting for his life have launched a fundraising appeal to help him live comfortably at home.

Andy Perrygrove, who was 13 at the time, was in collision with a van after getting off the school bus near his home on December 14, 2004.

He was seriously hurt and spent Christmas and New Year in intensive care at Birmingham Children's Hospital surrounded by his family.

Andy won his fight for life but sadly he has been left with major brain injuries resulting in a high level of dependency.

But after a year of intensive therapy, devoted dad Glen Perrygrove said: ''Over the last few weeks, Andy has started to smile and laugh again and his memory is coming back, so there has been an encouraging improvement and who knows what the future holds."

Mr Perrygrove, 47, has dedicated his life to his son since the accident.

He said: "I can't begin to describe what it has been like.

''Christmas Day was spent at the hospital where staff worked to reduce fluid from around Andy's brain.

''Since then, he has gone through a whole string of treatments and operations and now he is receiving physiotherapy."

Mr Perrygrove helps care for Andy during the week at the Children's Trust in Tadworth, where his son is a patient.

At weekends his wife, Andrea, breaks off from keeping a home for Andy's 17-year-old sister, Lisa, to make the long journey to the Surrey village.

She borrows a specially adapted minibus and brings her husband and son back home for visits.

Mr Perrygrove said: "Any parents would do the same. We can't leave Andy alone all week in between treatments. But all the medical staff are wonderful.''

Mr Perrygrove added the response from friends - and even people who did not know the family before the accident - had been overwhelming.

"His mother and I can't thank them enough. Andy's friends visit him every weekend when he is home," he said.

Now Andy's Fund aims to raise cash to help him lead as normal a life as possible when he comes home permanently in the new year.

Immediate priorities for fundraisers include a specially adapted vehicle to transport Andy, adaptations to the family home and help with daily care and physiotherapy.

One friend, Tim Brown, has already braved a sponsored cycle ride from Alvechurch to Weston- super-Mare and raised an amazing £2,500.

One of the fund's co-ordinators, Kathy Kirk, said: "We are really pleased for all the support so far and hope the help continues.

''We need to raise as much as possible to make life easier for Andy and his family."

Any business or individual willing to raise funds or could offer practical help is urged to call Sharon Williams on 01527 63404, Kathy Kirk on 0121 445 1495 or Dawn Dearden on 0121 445 4503.

Cheques from sponsored events, made out to Andy's Fund, can also be sent to The Village Magazine, 16 The Square, Alvechurch B48 7LA.