71864-48A MAN who was in a coma for six weeks after a road accident and can't remember his wedding has renewed his marriage vows to his wife who is helping him back to health.

Derek Marshall 46, and wife Pauline, 38, were married five years ago, although they have been together for 15.

But in September of 2002, Derek suffered a serious brain injury when he was struck by a car on Cirencester Way near Gipsy Lane.

He is unable to remember the couple's wedding at Swindon Register Office, so the two renewed their vows on Saturday at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill.

Pauline, who lives in Pinehurst, is devoted to her husband, who is a residential patient at a specialist rehabilitation centre in Salisbury.

She said: "He just kept telling me he loved me to bits and that he wanted to marry me.

"He tells me goodness knows how many times a day that he loves me.

"I explained that we were already married, but he cannot remember our wedding, so the only thing we could do is have a blessing."

The couple have three children. Samantha and Todd, both 16, from previous relationships, and Adam, seven.

The three headed the list of loved ones at the ceremony.

Derek was brought to the church from Salisbury by Pauline's brother, Richard, 44.

Pauline's sister, Linda Thomson, said family and friends had been looking forward to seeing the couple re-declare their love for one another.

She added: "I'm delighted with Derek's progress."

Prior to the accident, Derek was a team leader with SDC, a South Marston firm supplying components to Honda.

He was struck by the car as he walked home from a wedding, and at first it was feared he might not survive.

He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital and almost immediately transferred to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

He remained in a coma for six weeks, with his wife and family at his side, before returning to consciousness.

But since then he has had to relearn every life skill from sitting up and walking to reading and writing.

He was transferred to a rehabilitation centre in Bath before moving to his current one in Salisbury.

Devoted Pauline has been with him every step of the way.

She said of the ceremony: "I never really thought we would be doing this. After the accident, things weren't looking good. But it has brought us even closer."

Barrie Hudson