A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been left blind and paralysed by a medical timebomb in his body after an alleged assault.

Today the sister of Terence Dakin, of the Infirmary area of Blackburn, said her brother had been an inspiration in coping bravely with his sudden deterioration.

Terence was allegedly attacked and kicked in the head while on a night out in Blackburn town centre last summer.

Two weeks after the incident he collapsed and was found to have suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Doctors also diagnosed that he had Arteriovenous Malform-ation (AVM) which is an abnormal tangle of arteries of veins that affects less than one per cent of the population.

AVM's have a tendency to bleed and if they do it can lead to a stroke, disability and even death.

Terence was given an outpatients' appointment for specialist treatment at a hospital in Sheffield in April, but he suffered another bleed in his head in January before being seen by doctors.

Terence spent three months in Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, after the bleed led to a stroke which left him blind and paralysed down his right side.

Now he is back at home being cared for full-time by his mum Eileen who left a job in retail to look after him.

His sister Deborah said: "It has been a traumatic time but because of his willpower and strength he has been an inspiration to us all.

"He doesn't get down at all. He is determined to get his life back to normal."

And to highlight his attitude, it was revealed that Terence, who used to run his own bricklaying business, has organised a charity event to raise money for the ward at Queen's Park Hospital where he was treated.

The charity night, Dancing for Tez', takes place at the Manxman pub, Manxman Road, Blackburn, on April 7 from 7.30pm.

Proceeds will go towards buying a piece of equipment for ward B4.

Deborah also paid tribute to the nurses who looked after her brother and said: "The nurses were fantastic, and one nurse in particular called Hilary. They really looked after him and he wanted to give something back to them.

"The aim is to come and have a good time and support Tez and get some money for the hospital."

l Two men and a woman are awaiting a hearing at Preston Crown Court in connection with attempting to wound Mr Dakin with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.