A promising young South Wales cricketer, who lost his leg to bone cancer, has made a successful return to the sport he loves.
Tom Carter, aged 21, is playing again at Newport Cricket Club after a two-year absence, during which he was diagnosed with bone cancer and had a leg amputated above the knee.
He has started coaching junior players and has already scored two half-centuries this season.
I've been coaching and am running the under 13 B team this year, he said. I was a regular second team player at Newport before everything happened to me, so as it's my first season back for two years, I've been playing in the fourths.
It's been a mixed season so far, I've scored two 50s, and I'm just happy to be back on the pitch playing for Newport. I'm still adapting my batting now I've got one leg, as I can't play certain shots the way I used to. I've also recently had a new prosthetic leg, which is taking some getting used to, but I know I'll get used to it, as I had it on trial for two weeks and scored 59 not-out on it!
I've been playing for my mid-week team, The Strollers, again this season, who I've played for since i was 15. I've taken up wicket keeping now for them, due to my lack of mobility, and I'm enjoying it. We now play in the Teenage Cancer Trust colours.
Tom's prosthetic leg is fitted with a microprocessor, giving him more mobility and stability than an ordinary prosthetic leg. He is allowed to have a runner, when batting, and is able to field in the slips or other close positions.
Tom is now also involved in the Wales disability cricket team. I'm enjoying that and really excited about the way things are going for disability cricket, especially with the addition of the new coach Les Randall, and the new vision for team.
Cricket Wales chief executive Peter Hybart said: Tom is a real inspiration. He has come through an awful time, but thanks to the support of family, friends, and the cricket community, he is again able to play the sport he loves.
My hope is that Tom's experience will show those facing similar challenges that there is a way back.
Cricket Wales is the national governing body for junior and recreational senior cricket in Wales. It works closely with Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which governs the men's professional game. For information visit www.cricketwales.org.uk