This is Will Roberts who lies in a London hospital three weeks after he was knocked down by a car.

The 17-year-old, known as Big Will, does not recognise his mother, Michelle, who has been at his bedside nearly every day. He can only nod 'yes' or 'no' to her questions.

Now Will's mother has spoken candidly about losing "the boy I know".

He was injured when hit by a car in London Road, Dover, last month after pushing girlfriend Danielle Watson, 16, out of the way.

Michelle, 36, of Querns Road, Canterbury, said: "It is awful because I don't know what to expect each day when I go to see him. When I said his name for the first time he did not know me and pushed me across the ward on another occasion.

"I lost the boy I know the second that car hit him and I have to try and prepare for the boy who's left."

Will faces lenghty neuro-rehabilitation that could include learning to read and write again but doctors can offer no clear picture of his future.

• Read Michelle's full interview in Thursday's Kentish Gazette.