The Northern Echo's campaign A Chance to Live was launched in June 1999 after the tragic death of Ian Weir, a 38-year-old father of two boys.

Ian, who was The Northern Echo's deputy chief photographer, died of a second heart attack after waiting seven months for a hospital appointment. He died the day before he was due to see a consultant at South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough.

A Chance to Live aims to have all heart by-pass patients seen as soon as possible by specialists. In Europe, the average wait is less than three months. In Britain it can be around a year. A Chance to Live aims to close that gap.

Ferrari inspires £1.1m mobile gym 2:48pm Thursday 7th April 2005 A £1.1M mobile gym based on one used by Ferrari Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has been unveiled in the region. Task forces set up to fight growing problem of obesity 2:50pm Monday 28th March 2005 TASK forces have been set up to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Darlington.

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