Newcastle animal-lover takes on Great North Run after breaking neck and back

08 September 2017

To arrange an interview or photography with Ben please contact the PDSA Press Office on 01952 797219.

Ben Forster (28) from Denton Burn in Newcastle upon Tyne, who was left with a broken neck and back following a devastating football accident, is taking on the Great North Run to raise money for pet charity PDSA.

In 2013, sports fanatic Ben was playing American football for Gateshead Senators when his life changed forever. An accident during the game left Ben with a broken spine, meaning he went from living an active life to being wheelchair bound.

“It took me a long time to come to terms with the consequences of my accident,” said Ben. “It’s changed my life in so many ways. But after some time moping about, I decided I needed to do my best to get back to my old self as much as I could, so I took part in the Newcastle Parkrun.

But Ben didn’t stop there, through sheer grit and determination he is now tackling marathons and is gearing up to take part in Newcastle’s famous Great North Run on Sunday 10 September.

Ben added: “This has only been possible after finding my wheelchair on Gumtree for £40 as I wouldn’t have been able to afford a new specialist one that’s suitable for long distances.”

Ben is running the Great North Run on behalf of pet charity PDSA, who saved his beloved Border Collie, Mollie, when she required critical treatment last year.

“I’m eternally grateful to PDSA for saving Mollie so I’m fundraising for them to say thank you.”

But the Great North Run won’t be Ben’s first big event since his accident. He took part in the half marathon last year for PDSA, and even held his own event called Push Power, where people could try a few laps around a running track in his wheelchair to see what it’s like from his point of view. He’s hoping to hold another similar event this year as part of his fundraising mission. This year alone, Ben has completed the Sliverstone half marathon, the Rock n Roll Liverpool marathon, and Darlington 10k.

When he’s not busy training for challenges, Ben is also the Head Coach of the Newcastle Blackhawks Flag American football team as well as being a Defensive Coach for the national team.

Rosie Gibbons from PDSA’s Fundraising team said: “Ben is truly inspirational. His grit and determination is unfaltering and we’re so proud that he’s part of our fundraising team. His efforts mean that we’re able to continue our vital service, treating sick and injured pets across the UK. From all of us at PDSA, thank you! We’ll be wishing Ben the best of luck and I hope other animal lovers will support him too.”

To support Ben’s inspiring mission, and help to him raise funds for poorly pets in need, visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BenF-Magnet

You can also follow Ben’s story using the hashtag #KeepOnROLN.