One-punch victim plans to take campaign nationwide

A man who survived a brain injury after being punched in a bar is aiming to give talks nationwide about "the dangers of mindless violence".

Paul Spence, of the Hull-based charity Paul for Brain Recovery, was the victim of an unprovoked attack in the city in 2012.

Since then, he has spoken to more than 1,000 secondary school pupils in East Yorkshire as part of a campaign to prevent violence.

Spence said the next step was to branch out to other parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, before taking the campaign to the rest of the country.

"It's my duty to share my story," he said, adding that he wanted to "open young people's eyes".

Spence was out with friends on Easter Sunday in 2012 when he was punched in the toilet of a bar. He hit the tiled floor and suffered a brain haemorrhage.

He spent several years in rehabilitation, before launching the charity in 2016.

During his visits to schools, Spence discusses topics including the impact of violence, social media, misogyny and the importance of emotional intelligence.

"Every conversation matters," he explained.

"If just one young person walks away and makes a better decision in a moment of anger, then the message has made a difference."

Spence has been commissioned to deliver more talks across Hull, North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

He said he also worked with youth justice services to help prevent reoffending.

Schools that take part also receive copies of Spence's book, One Punch Ruins Lives, to encourage further discussion in class.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the message was "so important".

"I'm pleased that so many of East Riding's young people are having the opportunity to hear about Paul's lived experience and will benefit from the awareness and practical tips he provides," she added.

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