A sports journalist left in a coma by an unprovoked attack has thanked in person the paramedics who saved his life.

Former Manchester Evening News and Lancashire Telegraph staffer Gary Carter was left with a fractured skull and suffered a cardiac arrest after being punched to the ground by Jamie Flanagan.

Flanagan has since been jailed for the “vicious and cowardly” street assault in London, where Gary was covering an England rugby league match.

Gary suffered several fractures to his skull and bleeding on the brain, spending weeks in hospital after the attack and even having to be resuscitated on one occasion.

Gary, centre, with paramedics who saved his life

He returned to work as a journalist covering rugby league a year ago, but he is still undergoing physio and other rehabilitation.

Last weekend Gary, along with his wife Gemma, his mother, niece and mother and father-in-law, went to London to meet and personally thank those involved in his care.

Gary told the MEN: “I saw it as a really positive experience. Obviously it was great to meet them and thank them in person, as I owe them so much.

“But it was also a chance to speak to them about exactly what happened, as I have no memory of it. And it gave me a better idea of just how lucky I was. Everything that could have gone right for me did go right, as there were times they thought I wouldn’t make it.

“I think it was more emotional for Gemma and those around me. There were lots of hugs and thank yous. It was just a lovely day.”