JUST five months after being told he might never walk again, a disabled man plans to take part in the Great North Run.

Inspirational Edward Freeman suffered spinal injuries when he was knocked down by a car in Newcastle earlier this year.

Initially paralysed from the waist down, the 25-year-old from Brandon, near Durham thought he would be left using a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

But after months of rehabilitation, he is now preparing to take his place on the start line in Newcastle on Sunday for the world’s greatest half marathon.

He hopes to complete the 13.1-mile course in under four hours, mostly on foot, but partly in his wheelchair if necessary.

Mr Freeman remembers little about the accident, other than waking up in a helicopter on the way to hospital.

He said: “I suffered spine damage and was completely paralysed from the waist down.

“The doctors said I wouldn’t be able to walk again and I would probably be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, but I started to get feeling back in my legs and now I am able to walk and run.

“I have worked really hard and I am going to do it.

“I know I can do the distance and I am determined to do it in under four hours.”

During his rehabilitation, Mr Freeman has been helped by the Calvert Trust, which runs a disabled-friendly outdoor pursuits centre in Northumberland.

Now he hope to raise up to £1,000 for the charity while he is taking part in the world famous run.

He will be joined in the event by a team from the Calvert Trust, including 29-year-old Thomas Pugh, from Newcastle, who has cerebral palsy.

Mr Freeman said: “I am really confident. My motto is "anyone can do anything".

“If someone is disabled, they can still do anything if you put your mind to it.

“I will get the medal for finishing the run and I will make everyone proud of me”.

To sponsor Mr Freeman, visit justgiving.com and search for GNR2k16.