Former point-to-point rider takes on the Great North Run for Spinal Research

Former point-to-point rider Bill Shand Kydd will be attempting to complete the Great North Run in record time this year — being pushed by his friends.

Bill broke his neck 13 years ago in a riding accident and is now tetraplegic and relies on a ventilator to breathe.

Pushed by a team of seven runners Bill will compete in the Great North Run from Newcastle to South Sheilds to raise money for Spinal Research.

Bill said: “After spending 14 months at Stoke Mandeville hospital I had a profound appreciation of the appalling consequences of paralysis and since then have been determined to do whatever I can to help Spinal Research.

“I couldn’t do this race without my fantastic team of pushers and I am so grateful to them for supporting me in raising money for a very important charity that does such great work in trying to reverse the devastating effects of paralysis.”

He is hoping to raise more than £10,000.

Bill will be in a special lightweight wheelchair, built specifically for the event. His son Caspar and his nurse Sue Davis will be among his pushers.

This will be the fourth year that Bill has taken part and he wants to complete it in less than two hours.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/greatnorthpush2008

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