A top Bracknell Town FC goal scorer has come back swinging after suffering a potentially career-ending injury in 2021.

Dubbed player of the year and top goal scorer for the past two seasons at Bracknell Town, Joe Grant joined the club in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 2021, a horrific ACL rupture took him out of the game for a year as he battled to get back to full strength with determination and support.

He said: “It's been a long journey but a good process. It was a long rehab process but it taught me a lot of lessons and I stuck with it and eventually I got back to playing football just over a year later. I ended up top scorer for the last two seasons.

“I’ve worked hard to try and get back to where I left off before my injury. During my time off I found that I’d like to do more than play football so I set myself some new goals, new challenges to work towards. A few mountain climbs and a half marathon and the next goal was a full marathon which I have just completed.”

Grant participated in the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday, April 19 on behalf of the Children’s Cancer Charity in memory of a family friend’s daughter who passed away at the age of 17 after a long battle throughout childhood.

He passed the finish line at four hours and 14 minutes alongside thousands of other marathon runners.

He added: “It was one of the best things that I’ve ever done. The atmosphere the whole way round was incredible and running through the city alone was just so much fun. I got to see my parents and friends at a few different places throughout the course.

“I thought that would be a lovely one to run for and when I’m still young and able I thought I might as well do it. Anything to play my part in helping the children and helping the families affected. It was my absolute honour to do so and they were happy for me to run for them.”

The Bracknell Town goal scorer has spread an inspirational message to anyone who has suffered a potentially career-ending injury.

He said:  “You have to remember that there is always going to be an end to it but don’t focus on that end goal too much. Set yourself some little goals along the way and accept that it’s going to be a long journey but the end will come around before you know it.

“Surround yourself with good people who will make you happy and motivate you because that was a big part of my journey.”