He was the victim of a horrific hit-and-run that left doctors unsure if he would survive.

But now, not only is Scott Sutherland preparing to run a half marathon, he says the dreadful attack is the best thing that could have happened to him.

Scott was violently mown down by a man who had become frustrated at having to wait 25 minutes to be served at McDonalds.

The hit-and-run caused the then 18-year-old to sustain a brain injury that left him unable to walk or talk.

Five years later Scott is still suffering the effects of the malicious assault - but is determined to move on.

The 23-year-old said: "If I saw the guy now in the street I would walk past him.

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"I feel I could be angry but I could also say he changed my life for the better.

"When I was in hospital my mum said I wasn't the nicest of boys and she had always worried I would end up in jail or dead but when this happened, it's changed my personality and the person I am and changed my view on things."

In March 2012 the driver, William Knight, was jailed for four-and-a-half years for what he had done to Scott.

The then 58-year-old had originally faced an allegation of attempted murder before his guilty plea to the reduced charge was accepted by the Crown.

On March 27, 2011 Scott and his friends were coming home from a party and had stopped off for some food.

They were at the food collection window of a McDonalds in Springburn when Knight drove forward to force them to move.

The driver's 29-year-old son got out of the car and began to argue with Scott who, with his friends, ran off.

Knight then drove the car at Scott and mowed him down. Scott hit the windscreen and rolled off before smacking his head on the road.

Knight returned to pick up his son before driving off.

To relieve bleeding and bruising on his brain, a large part of Scott's skull had to be cut away.

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The High Court in Glasgow heard that Knight, from Possilpark, had been frustrated at having to wait for 25 minutes for his food, although said he was unsure if Scott and his friends were to blame for the delay or whether it was due to the staff.

For Scott, the incident changed the course of his life.

Doctors told his family that every brain injury is unique and they had no idea what the teenager would be like when - or if - he came out of his coma.

Scott said: "I can piece together what happened that night but I think it's more what other people tell me than what I can remember.

"The doctor had said to my mum to prepare for the worst.

"When I first became aware of what was going on it was really strange. I always remember I woke up and opened my eyes and my sister was there and she got a fright."

Scott was in the Royal Infirmary for two weeks before being moved to the now Queen Elizabeth hospital, where he spent six months.

He added: "They got you up for physiotherapy even if you were really tired and them persisting like that got me walking.

"At first I couldn't walk, I couldn't talk and I couldn't even lift my head up because my muscles were so weak after being in the coma.

"I was also in the physical injuries recovery unit for two months to get me on my feet."

Scott still suffers from regular seizures that often occur when he is asleep. He becomes forgetful, which he says frustrates him and makes him angry.

But he found support with the charities Headway and the Princes Trust, where he completed a 12-week course and won awards.

He said: "Before my injury I was very popular and outgoing but after my injury I was very unsociable and didn't speak.

"All my friends totally disappeared. I stayed in the house for a year, my confidence took a hit.

"I went to the adult group when I was just out of hospital and it just didn't suit me so I walked back out.

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"But when the youth group started up, that was much better. It gave me confidence and I like to think that everything I have done through Headway and the Princes Trust has helped me to recover and become a better person.

"They let us talk about subjects that are important to us and take part in group activities and just normal things, which really helped.

"And my family were brilliant, especially my mum, Carol. I couldn't ask for a better family."

Now Scott is in training for the half marathon of the Great Scottish Run - and is determined to succeed.

Scott's training has been interrupted by his recent house move - he's bought his first home and is delighted to be living independently.

He said: "It's a challenge I can hopefully do. I've been held up by moving house but that is brilliant in itself as I've seen other boys and girls with brain injuries who can't do as much as I can.

"I'm living independently and have bought my first house. Compared to the man who did this to me, I am the better person. I have the better life now.

"So walk, jump, crawl - I will finish that race."

The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run is in Glasgow the weekend of October 1 and 2. For information or to sign up see www.greatscottishrun.com