Rapid recovery for hit-and-run victim left lying in road
A pensioner who was knocked down and left for dead in a hit-and-run has made a rapid recovery and could be home by the end of the week.
John Rudge, aged 78, was floored by a white van in Sedgley on August 13 and taken to hospital in a critical condition.
However, less than two weeks later the hardy pensioner could be back home - to be reunited with his much-loved dog Charlie.
Mr Rudge's cousin Janet Ash described him as a 'tough cookie' and said she was amazed by the speed of his recovery.
Mrs Ash, 71, said: "He's doing all right, his face is healing up but he's still got bruises. His head is a bit better and his leg is still strapped up.
"He's able to sit up on his bed but he can't walk properly or put any weight on it at all.
"Things are looking better but we've got to take it day by day.
"All being well he should be coming out and be home by the end of the week."
Mrs Ash, of Gibbons Hill Road, said Mr Rudge was 'angered' by the fact the driver and passenger in the van drove off, leaving him for dead in the middle of Bilston Street.
However, because he banged his head on the road surface he cannot recall much about the incident.
"John doesn't remember much about what happened," she continued.
"I think he remembers going into the shop and coming out but when he hit his head he lost his memory.
"It seems like he had a concussion and he can't think or remember any of it.
"He's a tough cookie as he could've lost his life or ended up in coma - he's very lucky.
"John wishes they could find the people who did it and he's a bit worked up about it.
"He is angry as he says they should've stopped to help him and called an ambulance, but they just drove off.
"You wouldn't leave a dog lying in the road like that, it's terrible."
Mrs Ash says she has been inundated by well wishers checking on Mr Rudge's condition.
The well-known 78-year-old is a familiar face around Sedgley, where he walks his dog Charlie on a daily basis.
Mrs Ash also thanked all the staff at Russells Hall Hospital for their care of her cousin.
A van sought by police after the hit-and-run was found in Tipton on August 14.
Initially, West Midlands Police said both the driver and passenger were believed to be male.
However, the identity of the passenger is now uncertain after witnesses came forward to say it was a woman.
