A father-of-five who spent three weeks unconscious after a devastating fall down the stairs is finally awake in what his wife has called a Christmas miracle.

Simon Norton, 40, was found by wife Katie following the fall at their home in Walmer, near Deal on Sunday, December 11.

He spent three weeks unconscious and specialists didn't know why he wasn't waking up.

The family were told to prepare for the long-haul and for a Christmas without him by their side, but on Christmas Eve there was a breakthrough when Mr Norton opened his eyes for the first time.

Mrs Norton, 40, said: "On Saturday he opened his eyes when his mum was there.

"He squeezed the doctor's hands and had a look around.

"Then on Christmas Day he saw me, looked straight at me and pulled me in for a hug and mouthed the words I love you.

"He has gradually been getting better each day.

"He has a lot of strength back in his left side and he didn't have any movement there before.

"Coming home on Christmas Day and being able to tell the children meant I could enjoy it, and have a nice day.

"Everyone is so happy, it's a Christmas miracle.

"Doctor's still don't know what's wrong with him, or what happened but for now, I'm happy and I'm taking every small step.

"I know we have a long road to recovery, but I can cope with anything now because he is awake and responding.

"He is still not 100%, he still can't talk properly, he can't get up and walk but he is awake, he is communicating and he recognises us.

"I want to thank every single person who has supported us, you don't know how grateful I am and how much love I have for all my friends and family."

While he is still struggling to speak, Mr Norton is making good progress and will soon be moved from intensive care at Kent and Canterbury hospital to a high dependency ward.

Mrs Norton, 40, previously told KentOnline she and her husband had been out with friends to watch the England match against France just hours before the incident.

He fell when he got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

Paramedics arrived an hour later and Mr Norton was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

He spent just over a week in a coma but remained unconscious even when doctors tried to wake him up.

The childhood sweethearts only wed three months ago and have 11 children between them.

They first met when they were aged 13 at Castle Community College in Deal, which is now Goodwin Academy.