A CAERLEON man who was in a medically induced coma just three years ago will run the London marathon in April to raise funds for a brain injury charity.

Nathan Laing, 29, spent more than 10 weeks in hospital, both in Cyprus and Newport, after being attacked by a gang of men outside a nightclub in Paphos on October 2011, while on holiday with his brother Christian.

After being discharged from Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital in January 2012, he spent a further five months undergoing rehabilitation including speech and language therapy at Cardiff’s Rookwood Hospital.

Despite having to learn to walk unaided again, Mr Laing ran the Cardiff half marathon in October 2012 in aid of Headway – a charity which supported him and his family throughout his experiences – raising £2,450.

But this time, Mr Laing is hoping to go one step further by doubling the distance he’ll be running.

“It’s been a tough year but everything’s falling back into place,” he said.

“I thought it would be a good challenge for me to try and run a full marathon.

“I’ve been gradually increasing the amount of time I’m working and I only go the hospital for a check up every six months now.

“What happened will always be in the back of my mind and it’s put me off drinking but I’m getting on with everything.

“My training is going well, I’m up to about 11 miles a run now and I’ve returned to my running club in Caerleon.”

Mr Laing will again be running the marathon for Headway, a charity that supports people suffering from brain injuries.

He is hoping to surpass the £2,450 he raised last time by breaking the £3,000 barrier.

“It’s really important to give something back,” he added.

“They helped me when I needed it so that’s why I’m running for them again.

You can donate by visiting http://bit.ly/LZbAZY