A CWMBRAN man who suffered life changing injuries in a motorcycle crash last year is celebrating again after storming to victory at the Scottish Disabled 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.

Despite this, the former first division golfer in the Gwent leagues has battled to play his favourite sport again, recently winning the Welsh Disabled Golf Open and now, a Scottish title.

Last week, the golfer travelled to the Green Hotel, Kinross for the bout, taking on competitors from across Europe, as part of the European Disabled Golf Association approved event.

“I was competing against home players on their own ground which is always tricky but the camaraderie amongst the players was incredible," he said.

“Everyone wanted everyone else to do well and there was a range of disabilities, from double amputees, cerebral palsy to blind golfer Jim Gales, MBE.

“It is great to be able to compete again. I didn’t think I could and I have also realised that competing is great but it’s all about the people you meet."

“Winning, that’s just the icing on the cake,” he added.

Mr Jones battled to play his favourite sport again during his recovery from the accident, 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.

Although Michael has been invited to the British Disabled Open, he could spend the rest of the year recovering after receiving a full hip transplant in October.

“At the moment with my hip everything is on hold but I have had lots of invites to other competitions. I’m hoping it will be a short rehabilitation process,” he said.

“I just want to thank my family and friends for all their support, it has been overwhelming and I also want to thank my school and college friend (Paralympic archer) Dave Phillips who is off to Rio this month.”

Speaking about his achievements he added: “If I can do it anyone can do it. Never doubt your own abilities and what you can achieve.

“There are people out there who want to help you and support you. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

For more information visit disabledgolf.org.uk