A CHEPSTOW man who was left with a brain injury following an attack 14 years ago is now preparing to do a parachute jump in aid of a carers’ charity.

Thomas Bendall, 33, who lives at The Lodge brain injury rehabilitation centre, was attacked and run over at the age of 18, leaving him with multiple injuries including fractures to the body and a brain injury.

This has left him with limited movement in his body, as well as limited speech, and although he is now taking short walks with a walking aid, he has to use a wheelchair for most of the day.

Since the incident Mr Bendall has lived at various homes across the country including in Tewkesbury, Bath and Bristol, but when The Lodge opened in January Mr Bendall was finally able to move near his parents, who live in Forest of Dean.

Now with the help of his carers, including manager of The Lodge Kay Parker and staff at Chepstow leisure centre, Mr Bendall has decided to set himself some goals.

These include completing the parachute jump while raising funds for the Care Professionals Benevolent Fund, a charity which supports carers like those who look after Mr Bendall.

Mr Bendall, who was perfectly healthy prior to the incident and played rugby for Lydney, is currently training at the gym twice a week to improve his fitness and strength in preparation for the challenge in Nottingham on September 3.

Mrs Parker said: “He is such an amazing character and has got such a great positive attitude.”

For more information on the charity visit cpbenevolentfund.

org.uk MELISSA JONES 01633 777235 mj@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter @ArgusMJones