A distraught husband has spoken of his agony after his wife was left in a coma for two months following an attack in an underpass.

Brian Dancer, 66, of Ashford Avenue, Hayes, has been at the bedside of his 63-year-old wife, Valerie, ever since the robbery which took place near Carlyon Road, Hayes on November 25 last year.

Mrs Dancer was pushed to the ground and her bag was stolen, causing her to sustain head injuries which have led to brain damage.

Police are still appealing for witnesses and a reward of £5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person who attacked her.

Mr Dancer said: "She came out of her coma three weeks ago but doctors say it could still take up to two years before she can leave hospital.

"It's ruined our lives and the ripples have spread far, our grandchildren are very tearful and I doubt Valerie and me will ever be able to go on holiday again which was something she enjoyed very much.

"When she was in a coma, the doctor at Charing Cross had told us she had suffered extreme brain deficiency and if she had a heart attack they would not revive her. I was absolutely devastated, I wouldn't wish what I've been through on my worst enemy."

He explained Mrs Dancer's brain had become so swollen doctors needed to drain the fluid from her head to stop it from expanding against her skull.

Mr Dancer added: "I could never have thought this would happen just 15 minutes from our home in broad daylight.

"Valerie had never been to the doctor in 40 years and now she's been put in hospital. And what for? Just for £10 and a mobile phone she was carrying with her.

"I feel very angry towards the person who has done this and I think his family are to be blamed for not disciplining him. It was a senseless thing to have done."

He explained his wife took her first few steps last week and has started recollecting the names of family members but still has no memory of what happened.

She has also lost the use of her left hand, which is continuously clenched. He added: "Valerie has made a lot of progress but she is still getting a lot of things wrong, she thought the year was 2003."

* If you have any information contact the police on 0208 246 1445 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.