A FATHER is putting his long-term battle with Multiple Sclerosis to one side to tackle the Great North Run and raise money for children with special needs.

Nick Hoar could lose his sight and be wheelchair-bound should he suffer a serious setback in his illness.

But the 23-year-old father of one, from Spennymoor, is determined to complete the Great North Run as soon as he can.

The inspiration behind his challenge is his 22-month-old-son Brendan and the little boy of a friend, who has learning difficulties.

So far he has raised about £500 in sponsorship, including £100 from Talkabout mobile phone store, from Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.

The money will go towards vital equipment at the Barbara Priestman School for children with special needs, in Sunderland.

Mr Hoar said: "It is the school where the little boy who my wife Lesley looked after attends.

"I wanted to do something to help him because he is such an inspiration. Whatever happens to him, he just gets on with it."

Mr Hoar wanted to do the Great North Run last year while he was still able to do it on foot. Unfortunately, two bad attacks - one last year and one recently - have meant that he will have to do the route in his wheelchair.

He said: "After the last attack they told me I was lucky. They expected me to lose both my sight and be stuck permanently in a wheelchair."

He sees the event as a personal challenge he has set himself and hopes it will inspire other MS sufferers to keep fighting. He added: "This is something I need to do."

Anyone who wants to sponsor him can telephone 07779 346024.