NEW SPORTS DREAM FOR PLAYER LEFT FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE
AFTER being brutally attacked and left for dead Adam Harcombe could have given up. What happened to the 28-year-old on September 6, 2020, could have changed the course of his life forever. But the former rugby player and electrician’s strong will and determination has completely shifted that narrative.
He had been on a night out with his friends at a nightclub in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and decided to walk his friend Lucy home. As they made their way along Pontypridd Road, Adam was struck on the hand by a Volkswagen Golf being driven by Callum Meirion Thomas, who also had Nathan Emery in the car. The pair circled around a one-way system before they approached Adam and both set upon him. Thomas struck him repeatedly with a baseball bat.
The unprovoked attack saw Adam left with horrific injuries and fighting for his life at the University Hospital of Wales where he underwent surgery. He had a blood clot on his brain and a bone had to be removed from the side of his head because his brain was swelling. He lost vision in his left eye and was in hospital for 16 weeks.
Thomas, 23, of Rhodfa Sant Lu, Llwyncelyn, Porth, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and having an offensive weapon. Emery, 36, of Tuberville Street, Llwynpia, Tonypandy, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm. Thomas was jailed for 13 years and Emery was jailed for three years.
Having woken up from a coma, Adam, who once would have been able to walk 10 miles easily, was left unable to walk 10 steps. He was unable to go to the toilet or shower unaided and had to learn to brush his own teeth again.
Now, almost three years on, Adam has put his horrific ordeal behind him and has become a coach for Porth Harlequins second team. He has also embarked on a new sporting career of his own, becoming a member of Rhondda Athletics Club and will be assessed in August in Swansea by Disability Sport Wales with the goal of qualifying as a disabled athlete with a view to competing in shot put events.
He said: “I got put in touch with the right people and I haven’t looked back. Athletics is a first for me. I’ve taken to it quicker than I thought surprisingly. In the gym I could throw the 4k shot put about eight and a half metres from standing throw, which my coach said was pretty impressive.
“I’ve been speaking to Aled Davies, the Paralympian, and Harrison Walsh. They have both been to the Commonwealth [Games] with Wales and told me to stick at it because you never know where it can go. I’ve got a bit of a dream again now. It has replaced the competitive rugby player in me.
“I am watching shot put videos now and practising my technique and I really want to do well at it. It has given me a new drive. I’d never have tried this if it wasn’t for what happened to me but I kind of look back sometimes and wish I had because there’s a great atmosphere at the Rhondda Athletics.”
Adam added he is now using his Instagram profile to document his journey as more of an inspirational story rather than dwelling on the attack. He has also composed a song reflecting on what he went through and is working as a volunteer on the ward he was on in hospital in Cardiff, B4 Neuro, as a patient befriender for those who are in a similar position he once was.
“After I had my last operation I decided I wanted to put my page out as more of a motivational inspirational page. I was tired of writing about the things that had happened to me. I want to use my experiences to show that you are able to achieve your dreams and your goals even after such terrifying things,” he said.
“The song is about the time I went through. After I came out of hospital I was still going to Rookwood for music therapy after I came out of hospital. The lyrics are telling my thoughts and feelings through being in hospital...
“I am working voluntary now at the hospital. When anyone is feeling low I go there and sit with them and have a chat. It is nice to sit with people and just tell them that everything is going to be all right... Just me being there is proof that you can get through such an injury. I still see some of the nurses who treated me and they are just so glad that they are part of my story.”
He added: “The way my mindset is now, it’s dynamite. I don’t dwell on things. I have the odd moment where I see something on perhaps Britain’s Got Talent, or something on a film, and it will hit a nerve and I will cry but I just remember that this was obviously meant for me and I have proven that as long as you’re positive you can tackle anything in life.”