A young man left unable to walk or talk after being attacked on a night out almost two years ago is still trying to get his life back on track.

Joe Shaw was 24 when he came home from Australia to visit his family in Ramsgate and was set upon by thug Liam Bayliss while out with friends.

Bayliss, who had a problem with alcohol, went out looking for a fight and tried to start one with several groups of men and a girl who refused to dance with him before eventually coming to blows with Joe.

The thug knocked him out near Rokka Bar in Ramsgate and was described by a judge as "the very worst of this blight on British town centres at throwing out time" as he jailed him for four years and three months.

Speaking at the time Joe's mum Nancy said: "This is every caring parents' nightmare. The ridiculous attack has ruined our lives."

The attack saw Joe suffer a catastrophic head injury and part of his skull had to be removed.

The self-employed plasterer was confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk, talk or complete basic tasks himself.

Since then his condition has improved and he is determined, with help from family, friends and funding from a number of fundraising events, to get better.

His family says Joe, who had reconstructive surgery on his skull last April, has already defied the odds to get where he is today.

"He swears he will never stay in the condition that he is in.

"With his enormous determination, spirit and courage, he will achieve his goals of walking and talking, along with living a fully independent life."

On January 26, a fundraising event is being held at North Foreland Golf Club to raise money to go towards his rehabilitation.

Mick White, captain at the club in Kingsgate, says members will play a round of golf, with the entry fee donated to Joe and there will also be a collection by his family at the event.

A fundraising show is also being held on January 31 at The Centre in Birchington called When You Believe.

Organised by Charlotte Rintoul, who is Joe's massage therapist and a dancer, it will include dancing and singing as well as a raffle with a host of prizes.

Joe's family says all these events are inspirational boosts to Joe.

"They mean more to him than anyone could know.

"Any funds that are created from the show will go towards foot splints that are designed to stop his feet and ankles from loosing all tone - very common with a brain injury - and when Joe starts walking again, his feet and ankles will be significantly impacted, so the equipment we wish to purchase will help with that.

"Another thing on the list is a rise and recline chair. Singing lessons are also on the list as it's easier to sing than to speak."

When You Believe is on Friday, January 31, from 7pm-9pm.

Adult tickets are £12 and for children £9 and available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whenyoubelieve

To help raise money for Joe's recovery click here

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