A teenager who has been fighting for life for more than two weeks has given his family and friends hope after he started showing signs of recovery.

Ashley Williams, of Thatchers Way, Isleworth, has been in a coma at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, since he was attacked in the street on March 27.

Last Wednesday, his dad Pat, brother Ricky and big sisters Wendy and Mandy Quantrill feared the worst when doctors told them the 19-year-old was unlikely to make it through the night.

Mrs Quantrill, 39, said: “He had the last rites as soon as they could arrange it.

“My brother Ricky was at the hospital but couldn’t face coming into the room.

“My poor sister Wendy didn’t get back in time. She had been there most of the day and hadn’t even managed to get home before she had to make the return trip.

“Friends and family made the journey to say goodbye.”

But Ashley defied doctors’ predictions and started responding to new drugs he had been given.

Ashley remains in an induced coma in an intensive care unit.

Mrs Quantrill said: “He has continued to improve. On Sunday dad came out smiling for the first time since this happened, and he was elated to report he had blinked and squeezed his hand.”

The popular teen’s family, friends and workmates from Sainsbury’s in Hampton know there may be lasting damage caused by the head injuries Ashley sustained when he was attacked at about 2.30am in Palmerston Road, Twickenham, but refuse to give up hope.

Mrs Quantrill said Ricky has maintained from day one that his brother “will never give up”.

She said: “We know there is no chance of Ash recovering overnight and there is a long way to go yet, but Ash is not a quitter.

“He has such a lot of friends and wellwishers keeping him in their thoughts and prayers that we couldn’t ask for more.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of them.”

q Daniel Stanley Burt, of Strawberry Hill Road, Strawberry Hill, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court last Monday, charged with attempted murder. He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on June 21, where he will face two additional charges of theft.

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