HE SUFFERED a terrible head injury that almost killed him, then spent weeks in hospital and lost memories of his past.
But, yesterday, Paul Spence organised a fundraising half-marathon, which raised more than £13,500 for the medical staff who saved him.
The father-of-two was punched to the ground in an unprovoked attack in Pave in Princes Avenue, west Hull, a year ago.
At times, doctors and nurses did not think he would recover but he fought back and is now on the road to health.
Although he still suffers from memory loss, Paul organised a half-marathon around the Bilton area for the neurosurgical ward at Hull Royal Infirmary.
"For the first four months, I couldn't really do anything or speak properly and I had no concentration at all," said Paul, 33, of west Hull.
"As I got better and started getting my marbles back, I thought about the year anniversary coming up and the other people on the ward and the fantastic job the staff do.
"Originally, I planned to run alone but then friends started saying they would do it with me and the group grew and grew."
About 75 friends and family members turned out for the sponsored run yesterday, which took place around country lanes in Bilton and Skirlaugh.
Many more supporters went along to marshall the event and hand out water to the runners.
Paul said: "It was very emotional seeing everyone running the course and trying their best – a lot of them weren't runners so the fact they all completed it was amazing.
"I've seen the ward where that money is going so it means a lot to me."
After the run, everyone headed back to the start point – Bilton Village Hall – for a fun day, which included a bouncy castle and raffle.
Paul said: "I've been really touched by how many people turned up to support me. They have reached their own goals they never thought they would achieve, which is really inspiring.
"I've lost a lot of memory from before the attack and I can't see into my past as well.
"So as well as raising money, the day was also about creating new happy memories with fun and laughter.
"I can't speak highly enough of the friends and family who have supported me through all this."
No one knows more of Paul's struggle to return to normal life than his family – parents Donna and Tony and brother Mark.
Tony, 52, said: "He has come on leaps and bounds since this time last year.
"There was a day the hospital rang and said we needed to come down as he had taken a turn for the worst.
"I held him in my arms while he fitted and the most horrendous sounds I have ever heard came out of him.
"That was the worst day of my life – I thought that was it.
"So to see him now, having come all that way, is just amazing.
"We are all so proud of him, of recovering and of organising the event.
"Some people in the same situation might have sat and felt sorry for themselves in a chair, and who would blame them, but Paul showed strength and determination and is now heading back to tip top condition."
Runners at the event raised about £13,500, but it is thought the final total could be about £15,000 with a raffle.
Paul said: "Originally, I thought I would raise about £1,000, so £15,000 is fantastic. I'm over the moon."
