Road accident victim Mark Scott has returned to hospital after a rare Christmas outing at home with his family.
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The talented Tarrawanna triathlete spent two nights at home with wife Lauren and son Oscar - his longest period away from hospital since he sustained a serious brain injury while riding his bike at Primbee in June last year.
Mark's father Bob Scott said the family had treasured the stay.
"It was fantastic for little Oscar to wake up and have daddy - he was overawed," Mr Scott said.
Mark remains in a minimally conscious state, meaning he has shown some evidence of self or environmental awareness.
The Scotts hope to have him back home permanently within six months.
"He's more relaxed in the environment at home," Mr Scott said.
"There's nothing medical to support that, but that's how we feel. We see little things that give us hope."
Earlier this month, Mark was transferred from the brain injury unit at Liverpool Hospital to Coledale Hospital.
A trained physical education teacher and manager of University of Wollongong Aquatic Centre, he was cycling with his father on Windang Road when a car collided with his bike, causing critical injuries.
Earlier this month about 1000 people completed a fun run - Move For Mark - to demonstrate their hope that he will recover.