Amputee Paul 'feels alive' after North Run glory

AN amputee from Newcastle was unable to hold back his tears after finishing the Great North Run.

- By DAVID HUNTLEY Reporter

Paul Stephens with Healthworks supporters after completing the Great North Run

Paul Stephens finally achieved his dream of conquering the annual 13.1 mile run after being spurred on by friends and family.

What made it even more special is that Paul finished the final 200 yards of the race on foot after getting out of the wheelchair in which he completed the first 12.93 miles.

Paul had his lower left leg amputated in December 2022 following diabetes complications, which had left him depressed and lacking energy so much he could fall asleep mid-conversation.

But with the support of the Newcastle-based Healthworks charity, Paul achieved his long-held ambition to complete the half marathon.

The 68-year-old, from Benwell, said: “When I went over the line, words can’t describe it; I was overcome.