A SUPER-FIT fireman struck down by a mystery illness is hoping to do this year’s Great North Run in aid of the charity that helped him.

As a leader of Fire and Ice Expeditions, John Robson has scaled some of the world’s most challenging mountains and raised nearly £100,000 for charity.

But in March last year he came down with the little-known condition polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which left him bed-ridden and in extreme pain.

Instead of running the London Marathon, he was forced to watch from his sick bed.

The married father-of-two from Durham City is now on the mend and hopes to complete his 15th Great North Run on Sunday, September 7, in aid of the PMR North East support group.

He said: “I’m doing well. They’re reducing my steroids.

“I know I won’t be running it all. I’ll run, jog and walk as necessary.

“It’s all about enjoying it and getting to the finish.

“I’m happy just to be doing it. I’ll be smiling throughout. If things are beginning to hurt, I’ll just walk. I’ve got to take care of myself.”

To sponsor Mr Robson, visit justgiving.com/john-robson8