MIKE Jones had to overcome some serious physical and mental challenges after suffering life-changing injuries in a motorbike crash just over two years ago.

But the electrical engineer from Cwmbran has not let a leg amputation, hip replacement or testing emotional strain diminish his love of golf.

What he has achieved since that fateful day in October 2015 speaks volumes for his incredible positive thinking.

For that reason, among many others, Jones’ wife Beth has nominated her husband for 2017 Disability Sports Performer of the Year in the South Wales Argus Sports Awards.

“Mike was discharged from hospital five weeks after the accident,” she said.

“He suffered physically and emotionally, but during his time in hospital his focus was to return to playing golf.

“He worked hard at physio to regain his strength and learn to walk with a prosthetic leg.

“He would practise his golf swing in the parallel bars, even though he could hardly stand with the pain.

“In the summer of 2016 he was told that his hip had failed and would need replacing – Mike was back practising within two weeks of the surgery.

“His determination to succeed was amazing but he still had thoughts of helping others in a similar position.

“Mike then started to play all over the country and Europe and became successful very quickly, winning several big tournaments.

“He’s convinced that golf saved his life and all that drives him now is to show others what can be achieved with the right attitude.

“I’m so proud of him. I think he deserves this award because he’s showing no signs of slowing up and that should be a lesson to us all.”

In 2016, Jones won the Welsh and Scottish Disabled Opens with his hip still broken, before Welsh, Scottish, Spanish and Italian triumphs in the nett category.

By September of this year he had become the number one ranked disabled golfer in Europe in the nett category.

Now Wales Golf’s inclusive ambassador, he is also an ambassador for the Celtic Manor Resort’s 2010 course.

For a full explanation of each category visit www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sportsawards - nominations close at 5pm on Friday, January 19, 2018.