A journalist who was left for dead after being stabbed has completed his first marathon since the attack.

Chichester Observer arts editor Phil Hewitt, left, was left with severe bruising and two broken ribs following the attack in February of last year, while he was in the South African city of Cape Town to realise his dream of watching England play cricket abroad.

Phil was stabbed twice in the leg after being mugged while walking back to a friend’s home following a one-day international match between England and South Africa, and required 18 stitches for the deep wounds.

However, the keen runner has now returned to action and completed his 31st marathon, in Worcester, earlier this month.

Said Phil: “The Worcester Marathon was hot and hilly, and my stabby leg really hurt on the downhills, especially towards the end of the 26.2 miles.

“But it was great to get back to what I love – even if my finishing time, just over four hours, was 90 seconds off being my worst ever. My excuse seemed reasonable, but actually this one wasn’t about time at all.

Phil also suffered three broken ribs and a sustained kicking in the attack, resulting in abdominal surgery when he got home.

He added: “It has been a horrid year in so many ways, but I am more convinced than ever that running is the answer to everything.

“I wrote a book called Keep On Running. It is a relief to be able to live up to the title.”