A SERIOUSLY-INJURED hockey star says he is “lucky to be alive” after a horrific snowboarding accident.

Rob Wilson, 23, was airlifted to a Grenoble hospital after wrapping himself around a tree while snowboarding “at some speed” in the Valmoral resort.

The Fareham hockey player broke seven bones in his back and will be off work for six months after undergoing emergency surgery in the same French hospital which treated seven-time world motor racing champion Michael Schumacher for serious head injuries following his skiing accident in December 2013.

“The surgeon told me the injury could have been far worse than it was, with potential paralysis and spending a long time in a wheelchair,” Wilson explained.

“When you consider that there are 22 vertebras forming your spine and I broke seven of them, it emphasises what a very lucky guy I am - lucky to still be alive.”

The talented Wilson, who played for England’s junior age group international hockey teams, has helped Fareham finish fourth and fifth in the National Hockey League Western Conference in the past two seasons.

He explained that, soon after colliding with the tree, he “somehow” managed to get himself back to the nearest ski lift before collapsing and then being rushed to hospital.

“I was on my own when the accident occurred, and whilst I realised I’d hurt myself I had no idea of the extent of the injury.

“Somehow the rush of adrenaline got me back to the rest of the party and they got me organised to go to hospital.

“I spent a week in Grenoble undergoing operations on my spine, after which I was able to return home to Portsmouth.

“I can’t thank the hospital enough.

“They were simply fantastic and to think that I’m now up and able to walk about goes to show how fantastic the surgery was.

“The lads at Fareham have been unbelievable, with ‘get well’ cards and popping round regularly to see me.

“It’s lifted me no end.”