BUSINESSMAN Simon Wrightson will have a more personal reason than most to succeed in this year's Great North Run.

The 48-year-old, from Manfield, near Darlington, will be raising money for Headway, the brain injury association, when he takes part in the 13-mile run on October 6.

It is a personal cause for Mr Wrightson, who was placed on a life support machine after he suffered a brain haemorrhage following an accident during a skiing holiday in France with his family nine years ago.

He eventually recovered after receiving lengthy hospital treatment in Geneva.

He is now hoping to raise £24,000 to help Headway establish a telephone helpline to continue offering support to people who have suffered traumatic head injuries, and their carers.

Mr Wrightson, who has been in training for three months, said: "It has taken nine years to pluck up the courage to do this, but the charity does some tremendous work.

"I realise that there are a lot of young people out there whose promising lives have been ruined and I can't think of anything better than to give some form of financial support to this worthwhile charitable organisation."

To sponsor Mr Wrightson contact him at Manfield Grange, Manfield, Darlington, DL2 2RE.