A Scots motocross rider who broke his neck in four places after flying over the handlebars feared he would be left paralysed following the horror crash.
Brandon Bissett was enjoying a day out with his dad at a disused quarry in Fife when the front vehicle of his bike struck a hidden tree root.
The 22-year-old was left in excruciating pain and unable to sit up or move his body as frantic passersby raced to help him at the remote wasteland, near Glenrothes in March.
Due to his inaccessible position, a Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) was called to the scene before flying Brandon to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Medics found he had suffered four broken vertebrae in his neck meaning he needed to wear a metal head and neck brace for the next three months.
Brandon, from Kennoway, said: “There were times when I thought the worst. Would I be paralysed, would I ever walk again?
“These dark thoughts go through your mind but I had to push them away and think positively.
“Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance had got me to hospital carefully, comfortably and quickly - they’d given me the best chance of coming through this.
“I owe so much to everyone who helped me that awful day - from fellow bikers, family, emergency services and bystanders.
“But I know it was SCAA that made the difference. I will be forever grateful to an amazing charity.
"They got me out of an almost totally inaccessible location and made sure I got to specialist surgical care in the fastest possible time with the minimum impact on my injuries.”
He added: “I’ve been given a second chance at life and I’m using it to my full advantage.
“My recovery is going amazing. Since the crash, I’ve lost around three stone in weight and have just recently started cycling again to encourage myself to stay fit.
“I’ve also recently gone back to work and I’m feeling amazing. It’s a miracle.”
Recalling that frightening day, Brandon told how he remained conscious throughout the entire ordeal.
"I managed to pull off my helmet and then realised I couldn't sit up or move my body. It was terrifying," he said.
"I was conscious and could move my arms and legs but I knew something was seriously wrong.”
As Brandon's dad stayed at his side to comfort him, fellow bikers set off to get help and guide an ambulance crew along an overgrown disused railway line to reach the quarry.
"They knew there was no way they could get me out by road so an air ambulance was called.
"It really lifted my spirits when I heard SCAA approaching and landing nearby. Shock was setting in, I felt freezing cold and in a lot of pain.
"The SCAA paramedics were absolutely amazing - calm, reassuring and comforting. They cut my clothes and put on a neck brace.
“I didn't know at this stage how serious my injuries were but I knew I was in the best hands possible."
Friends, family and bystanders all helped paramedics carry Brandon on a stretcher across difficult terrain to reach the waiting helicopter and within minutes he was airborne.
He added: “This has made me realise that life is far too short to be mucking around. I was extremely lucky.
“As somebody who always wears full gear and protective clothing while riding, it’s scary to see others riding around with no helmets or the right clothing.”
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