A PROFESSIONAL golfer from Worcester who was left in a coma for eight months after a fall has spoken of the invaluable support of the two organisations who helped him get back on his feet.

In December your Worcester News reported director of instruction at the Ravenmeadow Gold Course in Hindlip Lane, Claines, Leo Tarrant had been left in the coma in May 2011.

Although his family and doctors feared he might never wake up, three years later he is back on his feet and has spoken at two Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) annual general meetings about the support he received during his recovery from the organisation’s benevolent fund as well as brain injury charity Headway Worcester.

Mr Tarrant, who had to take 16 months off work while he recovered from his injury, said he considered his recovery his “finest achievement” but would not be here today if not for the support of the two organisations.

“It's important our city understands the incredible, professional and friendly work they do at a time when people's lives have changed," he said.

“I think I was kept strong by the people that cared for me and the PGA's benevolent fund and Headway Worcester played a big part in this.”

He added he was particularly thankful to David Wright from the PGA for his personal help and support.

“David's interest, the benevolent fund's help in making sure I could survive and Headway's visits and support allowed me concentrate on rebuilding my life to be better than it's ever been,” he said.

After the accident outside his home Mr Tarrant had to undergo a series of operations, including the removal and replacement of his skull with titanium and putting drainage into his brain.

Although when he woke up he had to learn to sit up and walk again, today the only lasting effects he experiences are the loss of his sense of smell and slight memory loss.

Mr Tarrant was invited to speak at the AGMs of the midlands and south west branches of the PGA in the first week of March, where he spent about 20 minutes telling members about his story and called on members to do more to support charities.

“Without the support I received my life could be very different,” he said.

“Anything can happen to anyone at anytime and the benevolent fund and Headway Worcester were there to offer incredible support to me in rebuilding mine.

“The money is spent on things that are so important to rebuilding our lives, I'd love us to appreciate and support our local charities a lot more.

“You may never need it but it'll help someone just like you to do so much more rebuilding their life in our city if we support our local charities.”

In effort to give something back to the two organisations Mr Tarrant is organising a Ryder Cup-themed charity day at the Ravenmeadow Golf Club in September, which he will lead a team against another captained by colleague Adam Whiting, who is also running a marathon in support of Headway Worcester.

Anyone interested in taking part or businesses who can sponsor the teams or donate prizes can call 01905 757 525.