A CWMBRAN man who suffered life changing injuries in a motorcycle crash last year is celebrating after winning the Welsh Disabled Golf Open.

Michael Jones, of Trellech Close, was involved in a crash on Llantarnam Road which saw him suffer a severe injury to his thigh bone, pelvis and lower leg - which was later amputated.

As a former first division player in Gwent Leagues, Mr Jones battled to play his favourite sport again during his recovery, despite having complex metal reconstruction work inside his hip.

The repair job failed at first, with the bone collapsing around the hip, said the 50-year-old electrical engineer, and he had to learn to walk again, receiving treatment at the Morello Clinic in Newport.

“I used to play first division golf in the Gwent Leagues and all I wanted to do was to get back to playing golf,” said Mr Jones.

“I was put in touch with Michael Overton of the Welsh Disabled Golf Association (WDGA) and after seeing me play he said I could compete again and do really well.

“It is a very technical game and when I went back to playing it felt alien [...] The hardest thing is the mental side and I have to change my tactics while playing golf now.”

But last week, Mr Jones stormed to victory at the Welsh Disabled Golf Open, held at The Vale Resort near Cardiff, and said he hopes his achievement will raise awareness of disability.

“I was aware of disabled people before my accident but the experience has opened my eyes to the people who need help and support that is out there," he added.

“I want to thank my employer Warburtons Ltd in Bristol, the WDGA for their support, and my son Josh and wife Beth, who are there for me whatever I do. It really makes a massive difference.”

The golfer is also friends with Paralympic Archer Dave Phillips and the pair shared classes at Brookfield Junior School and Llantarnam Comprehensive while growing up in Cwmbran.

Due to receive a full hip replacement later this year, Mr Jones now hopes to compete in the European Disabled Golf Association. It is, he said, a goal that “drives him forward".

“The main message is don’t give up hope,” he added.

“I have had my treatment and I feel it is healthy for me to look forward rather than look back. I’m such a positive person and my focus is always what is in front of me.”

For more information, visit: www.welshdisabledgolf.org.uk.