Wensleydale man George Handley is on the mend after suffering a head injury.
George, 22, from Askrigg, is out of intensive care and able to talk and walk, says his mum Louise Porter.
Just over a month ago George left the White Rose pub in Askrigg on foot and was found injured a short time later lying in the road leading to Newbiggin.
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He had suffered a fractured skull, had bleeding on the brain and was in a critical condition.
He is still recovering at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, but has been allowed to leave for short periods with his first trip being to Costa with his mum.
She said: “He hasn’t taken it all in yet, and probably will never know what we’ve all been through.
“There’s still a way to go but with the help of the fabulous team at James Cook and the love and support of his family and friends, he’ll be okay.”
Police launched an investigation into the incident after George was discovered.
Inspector Mark Gee, from Richmondshire police, said they were working on the hypothesis that George had fallen, but they needed to be certain and wanted to hear from anyone who had information on the incident.
George, who plays football for Carperby Rovers, was made honourary captain in his absence of a Wensleydale Creamery League team due to face a Darlington FC team on Friday.
