Michael McCann and his fiancee Diana TearallDEATH crash survivor Michael McCann is to wed girlfriend Diana Tearall later this month.

And the pair are determined to walk hand in hand down the aisle of St Mary's RC Church in Tovey Road, Pinehurst, on August 20.

Michael, 38, still bears the physical and emotional scars of the car crash last June that killed his 19-year-old nephew, Matthew Styles.

But the pair, who live in Abbey Meads with their children, Ilena, three, and one-year-old Micky, are determined to move on.

Michael, who finds it difficult to speak for long periods, asked Diana, 32, to talk on his behalf to the Advertiser.

She said: "We're both really looking forward to the wedding.

"He proposed to me on his hospital bed. Michael is not the type to propose if he didn't want it. We both want to move forward together.

"He gets about using a crutch but he will walk out of the church holding my hand."

Michael spent two weeks on a hospital ventilator after suffering severe head injuries.

"He couldn't talk or walk at first so he's definitely making progress," said Diana, who cares for Michael 24-hours a day.

"Michael gets frustrated some days. He still finds it hard to wash and dress.

"Sometimes he feels that he's not making much progress but you only have to see what he has achieved to see that that isn't true.

"He's sees the physiotherapist once a week and has hydrotherapy four or five times a week, which seems to help him a lot."

Diana revealed how Michael had to learn how to swallow. "After the accident he was swallowing food the wrong way," she said.

"His speech is still slurred as a result of the head injuries and he's a bit self-conscious about it.

"But he will be around friends and family on our wedding day."

In a break with tradition, Diana plans to do the reception speech. She said: "I still haven't worked out exactly what I'm going to say.

"But I'll definitely be thanking all our family and friends for their support over the past year.

"Michael spent 13 weeks in hospital and while I was visiting his my sister, Claire, looked after our children.

"So far, Michael and I haven't been too nervous but now it's just two weeks away the nerves are starting to come."

Kevin Shoesmith