Kyle Daniels learnt the hard way after a reckless prank left him with severe head injuries.

“I see kids at skate parks doing tricks and thinking they’re cool not wearing helmets but all professionals wear the helmets,” he said.

“I watch them and think how terrible it would be if they learnt the hard way too and hit their head on the concrete.”

Mr Daniels hit his head on the road at 40kmh after he fell while being towed on his skateboard behind a friend’s ute.

Staff at Bunbury Regional Hospital were amazed he survived the traumatic head injuries and heart failure which occurred twice in the RAC emergency helicopter evacuation to Perth.

He underwent a critical operation at Royal Perth Hospital which removed a large section of his skull to access his brain.

Mr Daniels had to wait three months to have the skull piece replaced because the swelling was so severe and he turned 21 while spending another four months in rehabilitation.

“It took about five months to get myself out of bed and walk without assistance,” Mr Daniels said.

The promising local footballer was left stranded on 46 matches for Eaton Boomers and has been left dismayed he could not pass the 50 match milestone under the late Peter Butcher this year.

Sport is forever out of the question as a simple knock could cause a mild concussion and undo months of progress made in rehabilitation.

His injuries have also left him with diabetes and the struggle to regain full employment.

He said he would be forever grateful to family and friends along with his boss Gary Kohlman, Alan Cartledge from Marist Hockey Club and the Boyanup Cardinals junior football club who all held fundraisers to help his family’s travel costs while he was in hospital.

“I’m so thankful for them helping me out and being there for me like true friends,” he said.