Perth soccer player Danny Hodgson has been moved out of the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital almost three months after he was attacked on a night out.
The 25-year-old talented player was leaving the city with teammates when he was allegedly punched from behind without warning near Perth Train Station in the early hours of September 5.
He was taken to hospital with significant head injuries.
His parents, Nicola and Peter Hodgson, arrived from the UK on September 11, having been granted a travel exemption to come to Australia.
'Huge milestone' on long journey
In a statement released on Thursday, they described their son's move to Fiona Stanley Hospital as a "huge milestone" but said he still had a long road ahead to recover.
"He must learn to swallow, drink, eat and eventually talk again and that is just the beginning," they said.
"But we believe in Danny's strong spirit and, with the support of his wonderful girlfriend Jess, his family, and his friends, we know he can slowly and painstakingly move forward."
'Christmas angels do exist'
The couple also thanked the West Australian public, Mr Hodgson's employer and staff at the Royal Perth Hospital, who nicknamed their son "ironman".
"One of the things that has got us through the last 82 days is the love and support of the Western Australian people and the kindness of strangers that continues until this day," they said.
"In an amazing act of generosity, suppliers and trades have come together to gift Danny and Jess the installation of a solar energy system, solar panels, ducted air-conditioning and a heat pump to assist with his long-term recovery.
"You are proof that Christmas angels do exist."
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm over the attack.
