A teenager critically injured in a crash on the A34 was showing tremendous “fighting spirit”, his parents said.

St Edward’s School pupil Joe Robinson, 18, of Thame, is fighting for his life in intensive care after the car in which he was travelling crashed between the Pear Tree and Botley interchanges on April 7.

Friend and fellow passenger Grace Hadman, 17, died in the early morning incident and two other friends were injured.

Joe’s parents Kevin and Judi have spent almost every day at his bedside at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and said their son was making slow progress.

Mr Robinson said: “We have been overwhelmed by the volume of good wishes from all corners of Oxfordshire, the UK and indeed worldwide.

“It has been a humbling experience to feel the kindness of others and appreciate the depth of fondness people feel towards our son, Joe.

“Many would describe him as gregarious, possessing an appetite for life with a ready wit.

“Yet these belie a sensitive and selfless individual.

“Always a team player, he believes the whole is greater than the parts, while at the same time valuing the individual, no matter their circumstances. The fighting spirit he is showing in this adversity is so like him.”

The gap year student — known to close friends as “Robbo” and “Bod” — won a place to study at Exeter University later this year.

His mother Judi said his Facebook page almost collapsed under the weight of comments by friends after the crash.

She added: “His sense of the quirky is his undoubted trademark with pink hair bands on the sports field, love of bright vibrant colours for clothes and always wearing non-matching, odd multi-coloured socks.

“His wit is probably his key feature — both sharp and endlessly meaningless, yet always delivered with humour and without rancour, he owns and invented the term ‘Joe-isms’. Friends and acquaintances have been enamoured of his ‘Joe-isms’ as well as his loyalty and warmth.

“It is this very warmth that has shown through from all the people who have sent their best to us as well as visiting just to be near him and so will him better.

“We thank everyone near and far for their thoughts and support as Joe continues his struggle to overcome this adversity.”

His father said Joe had just returned from travelling in Bangkok as part of his gap year after saving up money by working as a rugby coach at St Edward’s in the winter.

He plays for Chinnor RFU, for whom he first played when just six years old, and has been a member of London Wasps player development centre.

About 500 people marked his friend, Miss Hadman’s funeral in Gloucestershire last Friday.

A 17-year-old boy from Boars Hill suffered minor injuries in the crash.

A 17-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire has been arrested and bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.


Witnesses to the incident are urged to call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.