A FATHER-of-four left paralysed after he was thrown from a 200ft high crane was last night said to be making "remarkable" progress.

Iain Gillham was horrifically injured when his crane collapsed at Liverpool city centre apartment block Chandlers Wharf.

He has been in hospital since the accident in July.

But medics now think the 53- year-old could be back home in Whiston within six months.

Proud wife Christine, who was told her husband had a 30% chance of survival, said he was making huge progress in his recovery.

Now hopes are rising the Knowsley man could leave the rehabilitation unit at Southport Hospital sooner than expected.

Mr Gillham underwent a four- hour operation recently to rebuild his crushed left shoulder with new muscles and ligaments.

The crane driver, who will never walk again, is now able to lift his left arm above his head, read a book and even work on his laptop.

Christine said: "He needs time for his shoulder to heal. But it could be the end of May when he’s back with me.

"He’s got a real fighting spirit and is determined not to throw in the towel. Recently he’s been on an absolute high."

On July 6 Mr Gillham was sitting in the small crane cab, high up in the Liverpool skies above the apartments, off The Strand.

The 200-tonne machine suddenly toppled over smashing into the luxury block as residents relaxed in their homes.