A FIREFIGHTER who was told he would never run again will defy the doctors to take part in a 10k race.

John Robson, 54, lost three stone and was confined to a wheelchair when he was struck down with Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

The super-fit fireman, from Durham City, has raised almost £100,000 for charity over the years with his Fire and Ice mountain-climbing expeditions.

But in 2013 after a routine knee operation, he was struck down almost overnight with the rare condition, which causes extreme pain in the neck, shoulders and hips.

He has since built up his strength and in July will take part in the Great North 10k in Gateshead.

He said: “I’m strong willed and this helped me to stay confident that I would get better.

“I couldn’t get out of bed and had to rely on a wheelchair but I have a strong family and group of friends who supported me during my rehab.

“Time was the only real healer as well as a high dose of steroids to manage the condition.

“I had signed up to do the Great North Run that year but I couldn’t participate. I cheered my son from my wheelchair as he crossed the finish line and seeing him do so well made me determined to run again.

“I started off by walking when I got back on my feet and made daily records. It took me almost two years but I got there in the end.”

Runners will follow a route along Gateshead Quayside, before finishing inside the Gateshead International Stadium.

To take part in the Great North 10k Gateshead or one of the Great North 10k Family Events, please visit: Greatrun.org/North10k