JACK Hewett’s life was turned upside down one year ago when he was stabbed outside a Hereford nightclub and left permanently blind.

But 12 months later the 22-year-old has not only astounded medical experts but also himself in turning his life around.

He has just received a special award for courage and has enrolled at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in the city.

Jack, who was in a coma for five weeks after the unprovoked attack, said: “It was a bit of a shock to get the award, but at the same time it makes sense.

Not once have I complained about being blind, which most people would have. I must have got more willpower than I thought.”

Jack was given the bravery award by Farleigh College in Wiltshire, where he undertook an engineering course.

The college plans to now start an annual “Jack Hewett Award”

with the Herefordian presenting the medal to the next winning student.

Jack, who is currently living in Gwynne Street, Hereford, still does not remember being stabbed in the neck outside Manhattans last August.

He had just enjoyed a night out in the city when Ashley Preece attacked him with a broken bottle.

Preece, aged 21 and of no fixed address, was given an indeterminate sentence after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jack’s heart stopped on two separate occasions and, as well as being left permanently blind, he does not have the use of his right arm after suffering a stroke. Until recently, he also had severe problems communicating.

But despite the turmoil he has faced over the past year, Jack has always remained positive.

He is now looking forward to starting a three-year placement at RNC next month and has already been visiting the Venns Lane campus one day a week to help him settle in.

The first year will focus on his independence before Jack hopes to progress to an appropriate vocational or academic programme.

He has already said he would like to study massage in the future.

“I feel it is my home already and I absolutely love it,” said Jack.

“I have been learning Braille, which I have taken to straight away, ICT, which involves touch typing, and mobility and life skills and I have also been going to the gym, which I love. It seems to me that I have become a bit of a fitness addict. ”

RNC spokesman Jo Powell, said that all classes at RNC are small, so Jack will get the best support possible and will work to his own individual programme.