EVERY now and again, in the midst of all the stresses and strains, something happens which makes it all worthwhile...

The Northern Echo:

One of the most uplifting letters anyone has sent in my 15 years as editor of The Northern Echo arrived last week.

It came from Paul Conway, 53, of Norton, near Stockton-on-Tees, who was honoured at our Local Heroes Awards in December.

The awards celebrate the achievements of the stars of grass roots sport and Paul won the Senior Remarkable Achievement Award in recognition of his inspiring story.

In 2003, Paul, right, had been preparing to represent Great Britain in the marathon at the Over- 40s World Championships in Australia.

His dreams – and his health –were left in tatters when a blood clot on his brain left him paralysed down one side of his body.

At first, he had to spend at least 50 per cent of his time in a wheelchair but he was advised by a doctor to try equine therapy at the RDA Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough.

He hadn’t sat on a horse before but, ten months later, he won an award for being the most improved rider at a national event.

In his letter to me, Paul gave me an update.

It had clearly been something of a struggle to write but what he said meant a great deal: “I do so much with my award you gave me.

I visit the disabled children and adults and tell them never to give in to disability. I tell them about riding therapy and show them my award. I got a new hat with the prize money you gave me. What was left, I gave to the centre so children can have therapy if they can’t afford it.

“I told you all at The Northern Echo that I would make you proud that you gave me the award. I’ve just gained a first place rosette in dressage so I kept my word, didn’t I?

“Sorry for my spelling but I am still having lessons to learn to read and right again but they tell me I’m doing OK. Kind regards.”

It seems to me that Paul Conway, Local Hero, is doing more than OK.

THERE was a lovely wee item submitted to the latest edition of the Darlington & Stockton Times, previewing a talk in the North Yorkshire village of Stalling Busk.

Historian Dr Barry Hobson will be in the schoolroom at 7.30pm on March 21, talking about “The Toilets of Pompeii”. Appropriately, it’s followed by pie and peas.

The snippet also came to a fitting end: Contact Margaret Iveson on 01969-650379 “if you want to go”.

A CONFESSION about the winner of our giant Christmas crossword...

The prize of a bottle of champagne was presented to Lynne Fletcher, of Middleton One Row, near Darlington, by my deputy Chris Lloyd last week.

The item appeared on our daily newslist as “Giant crossword winner gets her prize.

And it is true that I asked during the news conference: “How tall is she?”

FINALLY, I was intrigued by a job advert which came in last week: “Our company is seeking a live person to work as secret shopper/book-keeper…”

A pulse, it seems, is essential.