A RUNNER left fighting for his life after being knocked down by a hit-and-run driver is "conscious and responsive."

Mark Davies, 48, suffered life-threatening injuries during the incident which happened near Mark's home on Crogfryn Lane, near Llandudno, at about 11.30pm on Saturday, January 28.

He was hit by a black VW Polo. 

North Wales Pioneer: Crogfryn Lane. Crogfryn Lane. (Image: GoogleMaps)

A short time after the hit and run, a black Polo was involved in a single-vehicle collision outside Llandudno Magistrates Court on Conway Road whereby the driver left the scene.

Mark, known as Dav, a long serving member of North Wales Road Running Club and an internationally acclaimed ultra-distance mountain runner, has been receiving treatment at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Giving an update on her husband's condition, wife Leanne said: "I would just like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support shown to me and my family during this most difficult time. 

“I am sorry that I cannot message everyone personally – there are just too many – but I am so grateful and lost for words at the kindness shown.

“Mark (aka Dav) is now conscious and responsive however he still has a very long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead.

North Wales Pioneer: Mark Davies sets the pace for American ultra-star John Kelly and his support teamMark Davies sets the pace for American ultra-star John Kelly and his support team (Image: Don Hale Blog / donhaleblog.blogspot.com)

"We are getting small positives and taking everything a day at a time. I will update you all, when possible, with further news.”

The update was posted on Don Hale's blog, a master veteran runner.

Don wrote: "Thankfully, there has been some positive news this week about the award-winning mountain racer and fell runner Mark Davies who was seriously injured during a devastating hit and run incident close to his home near Llandudno last January.

"Mark, who is a member of the North Wales Road Running club, and is also a top Welsh Master ultra-distance competitor, has faced extensive medical treatment at a specialist injury hospital in Stoke following the incident on January 28, when he was in collision with a VW Polo.

North Wales Pioneer: Mountain runner Mark DaviesMountain runner Mark Davies (Image: Don Hale Blog / donhaleblog.blogspot.com)

"This led to a lengthy period in a coma, and an operation on his legs, and during this period, Mark’s friend Darrel Lewis launched a special fundraising appeal via a GoFundMe page which raised over £20,000 for the star athlete, who is self-employed. Darrel explained that he was trying to raise funds for Mark’s wife Leanne and his family.

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"The news of Mark’s horrific accident triggered shock waves around the running community nationwide and came within weeks of him receiving a ‘Special Achievement’ prize at the Conwy Sports Awards in North Wales for his incredible performance at the Swiss Peaks 360 ultra race, together with some other outstanding results in similar mountain challenge races and fell runs."

Mark and Leanne are well-known around Llandudno and surrounding areas; Leanne owns Vintage Kitchen in Colwyn Bay.

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A 33-year-old woman was arrested after the incident on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop following a collision and drink driving.

Three other individuals were arrested – a 38-year-old man, 54-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were all arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

All four individuals have since been released under the investigation whilst inquiries continue.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-mark-davies-and-family