A footballer has made a miracle recovery after a brutal attack left him missing a chunk of his skull.
Kristian Speake, 27, who played for Haverfordwest County in Wales, lost a part of his skull after being attacked unprovoked on the street on February 10.
He spent a day in an induced coma and a total of three months at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he was forced to relearn how to walk and gradually got his sight back after the assault.
Following two eye operations and brain surgery, doctors fit a titanium plate in the right side of Mr Speake’s head to replace where his skull should have been.
He is now planning to run a half marathon to raise money for the hospital trust where he was treated.
Footballer Kristian Speake has made a miraculous recovery after an unprovoked attack left him missing a chunk of his skull. Pictured before, he played for Haverfordwest County, Wales
The attack left Mr Speake with the right side of his skull missing (pictured before the surgery)
Before the surgery, Mr Speake (pictured with his girlfriend) spent a day in a coma and three months in hospital where he re-learnt how to walk and gradually got his vision back
‘For 24 days I was in a coma on the critical care unit and for a further four-to-five weeks I was placed on their neurological ward,’ Mr Speake said.
‘From there, I was then transferred to a specialist neurological rehabilitation unit where I spent a further five-to-six weeks undergoing extensive physical and cognitive therapy.
‘Over the duration of three months with the help and continuous support from staff, I learnt how to walk again.
‘I learnt how to undertake simple daily self-care tasks, I began to regain my sight and slowly began to restore some of my confidence.’
Mr Speake spent five weeks on the University Hospital of Wales’ intensive care unit.
He was then transferred to a specialist neurological rehabilitation unit in Neath, Port Talbot for a further six weeks for extensive physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
Surgery to fit the titanium plate was delayed while Mr Speake battled the common hospital infection MRSA, he wrote on his Facebook in April.
Mr Speake, who was attacked late at night in Haverfordwest, West Wales, is planning to run the Cardiff half marathon for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity as a thank you to the staff.
Cardiff & Vale Health is the official charity for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of GBH and has been released on bail, The Pembrokeshire Herald reported.
Since waking from the coma, Mr Speake (pictured before) has gone from ‘strength to strength’
Doctors fit him with a titanium plate to recreate the shape of his skull (pictured after)
He is now planning to run the Cardiff half marathon for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity as a thank you to the staff who helped him recover. Mr Speake is pictured in training after the attack
‘If it wasn’t for the staff at the Heath Hospital and Neath Port Talbot Hospital, for their continuous care, dedication and time I would not be here today and for that they will always hold a place in my heart,’ Mr Speake said.
‘Since waking up from the coma I have gone from strength to strength, both physically and mentally.
‘Although there have been difficult times I appreciate how fortunate I have been on this miracle road to recovery. ‘
He has now had the go-ahead to take part in the marathon by his neuro-consultant.
‘I would love to take this opportunity to help raise money for the wards and departments who have dedicated their time and care whilst helping me on this journey,’ Mr Speake added.
Haverfordwest County are second in the Welsh League Division One, having won five of their opening six fixtures.