The victim of the Rayners Lane Estate explosion visited Harrow for the first time since the incident to collect a darts trophy he won with friends.
John Pearson, 35, suffered severe burns when his top floor flat in Annan Court blew up in February. He was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in west London, for treatment.
Since being discharged, he has lived with his father, also called John, and his stepmother Maureen in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where he has slowly been recuperating from his ordeal.
Mr Pearson returned to the borough on Saturday evening to attend a darts league presentation at the British Legion in Northolt Road, South Harrow.
His team of 12, who represent South Harrow Sports and Social Club (SHAC) in Valentine Road, South Harrow, claimed the Thursday night Harrow and District Charity Darts League title.
Mr Pearson senior said: "John was a very good darts player. His team won the league and a lot of that was because of John's performance before the accident.
"There was only one match left after the incident and they managed to win that without John there.
"His teammates were really pleased that he made it down that night."
Members of SHAC had held a fundraising night there on May 31 and the £650 collected was handed to John on Saturday.
Mr Pearson senior said: "John's still in recovery and that was his first time out. He was very determined to go out.
"He said to me right at the beginning of his hospital treatment that he wanted to attend the presentation."
Darts captain Tony Message said: "It meant a lot to the lads to actually see him and it probably took a lot of effort for him to come.
"John was one of the lads. He was one of the best players.
"Nobody would have wished on their worst enemy what happened to John."
Detective Sergeant Richard Tobias, who is investigating the explosion, said: "We have spoken to John and obtained a statement and account from him.
"We will be conducting a second interview with him and will consult with the Crown Prosecution Service about whether any charges are to be brought against anyone.
"I hope to have this case wrapped up in a month to six weeks."
