"I have now made a good recovery, but there are a lot of people with brain injuries who aren't so fortunate," Kristofer said. "I hope that by doing the Great North Run I can show people how lucky I am to have survived and support others."
On 9 September 2017, Kristofer, of South Shields, had just transferred to Northumbria University to be closer to home and it was his first night out on the town.
After leaving a night club with new friends, Kristofer asked some men for directions. From that moment, his memory is blank. But friends and strangers witnessed Kristofer being assaulted, and called the emergency services.
"I was taken to Royal Victoria Infirmary, but I was discharged later that night," said Kristofer."I was laughing it off, saying I was fine.
"Now I know that because I was suffering from the effects of a brain injury, I genuinely didn't think there was anything wrong with me."
For the next two days Kristofer suffered with memory loss, extreme tiredness, vomiting, balance problems, light sensitivity and extreme headaches.
His mum was so worried she took him to South Tyneside A&E for a second opinion.
"I was in A&E for a long time," said Kristofer. "It was really busy and I was really struggling. I had been sick that morning and hadn't been able to eat anything. I was so weak I had to be put in a wheelchair."
Kristofer was transferred to The Royal Victoria Infirmary for brain scans and was diagnosed with an acute subdural haematoma, a bleed on the brain.
Doctors feared he may need brain surgery, but after being kept under observation for a few days, Kristofer was allowed home.
He spent two weeks living with his mum and continued to battle extreme fatigue and balance issues, intense headaches and light sensitivity.
But as time went by, Kristofer made a remarkable recovery and returned to his university studies.
Now he'll take on the Great North Run on the first anniversary of his injury, to raise awareness of the devastating impact brain injuries can have.
"I can now live a normal life but I am well aware that I am extremely fortunate and this doesn't happen to everyone who has a brain injury," he said. "Many survivors will live with the effects of their injury for the rest of their lives.
"I'll never take for granted how lucky I am, and I hope that by taking part in the Great North Run I can help other people like me."
Cerys Beeby, Senior Community Fundraiser for Headway said: "It's wonderful to see how well Kristofer has recovered and we are extremely grateful that he is taking part in the Great North Run for us.
"Unfortunately, not everyone who has a brain injury recovers to the same extent as Kristofer. Without fundraisers like him we wouldn't be able to support people during such a difficult time in their lives."
If you would like to support Kristofer and make a donation visit the Virgin Money Giving website and search for Kristofer Johnson.
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