A young father left hospital for the first time in seven months on his 26th birthday after a savage attack which left a trainer print on his face.

Alfie Peak was kicked as he lay on the ground in Sea Road, Bexhill, on July 27 last year.

His devastating injuries had left him unable to eat or speak. To celebrate his birthday on February 10 Alfie was taken in his wheelchair to a garden centre.

The former painter and decorator from Bexhill is still with his girlfriend, Tanya White.

Speaking to The Argus, Miss White told how the lives of Mr Peak and his family and friends had been  changed beyond measure following the attack.

The 23-year-old from Bexhill said: “It’s awful for Alfie and for his daughter. She is nine, she knows her dad is different but she does not know why.

“Alfie’s a wonderful father. He was no longer with her mother but he saw her every weekend.

“He gave up a lot so he could spend time with her.

“He was really funny. When he was attacked he was intervening after comments had been made.

“Although he is still obviously very ill I know he still loves me.

“You can see it in his eyes – the way they light up.

“He still has emotions. He is aware of what is going on and can communicate with his thumb.

“But we don’t know if he will speak again.”

Miss White regularly travels from her home to the neurological centre Mr Peak is being cared for in Wiltshire.

She added: “On his birthday we went to a garden centre – it was the first time he had been out.

“I feel like all his dreams have been shattered. I don’t even knowif we will do things like go to the cinema or out for dinner again.”

The family are setting up a charity in his name. For more information search Alfie Peak Well Wishes Charity on Facebook.