FAMILY and friends have rallied round brave Andover teenager Phill Mayer this week following the news that surgeons have had to amputate both his legs.
Three weeks ago, a serious accident at the former Rothsay Hotel in Weyhill left Harrow Way schoolboy Phill in hospital with critical injuries.
Seven operations to save his legs proved unsuccessful - forcing doctors at Winchester's Royal County Hospital to amputate both legs just below the knee.
Phill was trapped all night by loose boards in the derelict hotel.
His injuries were so severe that his leg muscles were damaged beyond repair because infection had set in.
But he still looks set to lead a mobile life, because it will now be easier for the 15-year-old to be fitted with artificial limbs as his legs were amputated from the knee down.
The prognosis wasn't originally so good for Phill - it was initially feared he would lose his left leg from the hip downwards.
His parents Sandra and Andrew have paid tribute to the youngster's incredible resilience and said their son is determined to walk again.
"He's a fighter - a true fighter.
"Everyone who knows him will tell you that. He will get through this because he's got the quirkiest sense of humour going," said mum Sandra.
Phill is having another operation today to ensure his muscle tissue is healing.
He has received dozens of cards from well-wishers. He is still in the high dependency department of the intensive care unit, but his damaged kidney is recovering and his broken wrist is on the mend.
"It's difficult for him to take this all on board, but it's early days.
"He has been so mature and he's facing the issue and thinking about his future now," Sandra added.
The inspiring schoolboy is now working with a physiotherapist.
He plans to record his feelings in a journal and document his road to recovery.
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