AN Alton College student told how a brutal attack left him with a metal plate in his head, last Friday.

Will Davies, 19, was walking home from dinner with friends in Farnham, when he was attacked by a group of 20 to 30-year-olds.

It was six days before his 17th birthday in April 2006 and Will had stepped in to protect a friend.

The assault left him unconscious in a pool of blood. Medics carried out a lifesaving operation to remove a clot from his brain.

Will was left with damage to his skull and brain.

Will told his college audience: "I remember nothing of the attack, just what people have told me."

In September 2007, Danny-Lee Parratt, then 22, received an indeterminate sentence for the attack and will serve a minimum of three-and-a-half years in jail before being considered for release.

His brother, Ricky Parratt, then 20, was sentenced to six years in a Young Offenders Institute.

"My nickname is now Tin-Tin thanks to the metal plate in my head," said the student.

On Friday he was addressing staff, students and family in the new Austin building for a cheque presentation by BTEC National Diploma in Sport (Sport Development, Coaching and Fitness) students to Headway.

The students had organised fundraising events as part of their coursework and raised £385 for Headway – a charity that rehabilitates brain injury victims.

Evelyn Vincent, chairman of trustees and founder of the Basingstoke branch of Headway spoke about the charity.

With more than 130 centres nationwide, Headway is dedicated to aiding recovery and rehabilitating people affected by brain injury.

Ms Vincent said she was astounded by Will's recovery and determination, calling him "inspirational".

When Will was admitted to hospital the doctors told his parents that he had a 20 per cent chance of survival.

Will's family and friends were there throughout his treatment at St George's Hospital, Tooting.

He said: "My sister didn't leave my side, she knew what all of the machines did and everything, and now our family is closer than ever."

Will explained about his reluctance to accept help. "In the beginning I was resistant to Headway's help, I didn't want to accept what was happening to me, they were hard times and I dealt with it very badly. I was a psychological mess, but am now turning my life around. Headway is fantastic."

The doctors said Will would not be able to do A-levels, but he is proving them wrong. On his return to Alton College, Will opted for a BTEC course which offers continual assessment, providing a more suitable way to study. Will still has worries about how this may affect his chances at university but his goal is to become a PE teacher.

On Friday, two fellow BTEC sports students, Adam Allaway and Pete Dudley described their fundraising on behalf of Headway which had included an assault course and five-a-side football.

Alton College sports department is keen to continue fundraising.