THE MOTHER of a paralysed road accident victim yesterday spoke of the devastating impact of the freak crash which has changed her son's life forever.

Lee Marley had been looking forward to returning to his family for the Bank holiday weekend.

But the 34-year-old never made it home when his journey to Tyneside ended in tragedy near the A1M's Bowburn interchange.

Lee had been travelling as a rear seat passenger in a Vauxhall Astra car with two work colleagues on Friday, August 24.

All three had been working on a construction site in Hull and were heading back to the North-East when their vehicle reached Junction 61.

They had just passed underneath the bridge of the Bowburn interchange when a white van pulled from the northbound slip road in front of their car.

The Astra swerved to avoid the van and went onto the grass verge of the central reservation before sliding across the road and hitting a metal fence on the nearside hard shoulder.

The 19-year-old driver from North Shields escaped with minor cuts and bruises as did the 40-year-old front seat passenger.

But Lee suffered serious injuries to his spine and was airlifted to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he has remained ever since.

His 69-year-old mother Marion has now spoken of her family's nightmare.

Travelling the long journey each day to visit the youngest of her four sons, widow Mrs Marley revealed that doctors have said Lee will be permanently paralysed from the neck down, but they are hopeful he may regain some movement in his right arm.

"We have been told he will be in hospital for at least five months, but his spirits rose yesterday (Thursday) when some of the ventilating tubes were removed and he could start to mouth words to us.'' Lee, she said, was aware of the prognosis: "He is very brave and is coming to terms with it and even felt up to seeing some of his friends today (Friday).'' He will need round-the-clock care when he is eventually released from hospital: "It has been an absolute nightmare and for Lee life will never be the same again."

Last night investigating officer Inspector David Gibbs said police were anxious to speak to anyone who was on the motorway at the time.

"It is important we trace anyone who may have seen this white van which came down the slip road. The vehicle did not stop at the scene but it is possible the driver may not have realised what happened,'' he said.

Witnesses are urged to contact police on 0191-3752159.