Teesdale dad to raise cash for hospital which saved his life

A DISABLED dad is to take on the Great North Run for the fourth time to raise cash for the hospital that saved his children’s lives after a devastating car crash.

Darren Handyside and his children Jack, 15, and Sophie, 13, were almost killed after a collision on the A688 near Staindrop in 2012.

While Mr Handyside suffered a shattered pelvis, cracked sternum, 12 broken ribs and internal bleeding, his children were airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) with severe head injuries.

Both are now doing well at Staindrop School.

Mr Handyside remains disabled but has consistently competed in the Great North Run in his wheelchair and hopes this year to improve on his personal best time for the half marathon of two hours and 35 minutes.

He said: “I have been doing a lot of swimming for the exercise and I want to get at least close to 2.35.

“Every day I do roughly a mile and a half swimming, which is about 50 laps. It takes just over an hour.”

He achieved that time in 2014 and finished the race ahead of his sister Michelle James.

In the first two years, Mr Handyside raised cash for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, but has since been directing his efforts towards the RVI through the Children’s Head Injury Equipment Fund (Chief).

He has also supported Help For Heroes through completing both the Great North

Run and the Great North Swim.

Over the four years of competing Mr Handyside has raised about £4,500 for the three charities.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Handyside’s bid to beat his personal best time at the Great North Run can contact him on 01833 690919 or 07508 704824, or email

darrenhandyside2509@btin

ternet.com