A DISABLED man aims to give back to the charity that rescued his 'broken body'.

Mark Steene, 51, of Llanfynydd in Flintshire, was serious injured four years ago on a deserted road in Llangollen and was saved by Wales Air Ambulance who rushed him to Stoke Hospital Intensive Care.

After ten months in hospital, three cardiac arrests, 12 alternative therapies and seven major operations trying to repair his body and mind, he said it is time for him to repay them.

Mark, who is quadriplegic, has been planning a half marathon with carer Darek Kowalewski, from Penrhyn Bay to Rhyl Seafront.

All funds raised will be donated to Wales Air Ambulance, which relies primarily on fundraising.

He told the Leader: "When I had my accident, they air lifted me to hospital and so there's an element of wanting to pay them back.

"They 100 per cent rely on fundraising, there's no support for them and I think it's a very worthwhile cause.

"Before my accident I was very outdoorsy and was very into exercise. I was training for the Tour de France and had been for nine months. I was cycling my last big route when I was injured.

"It's been very difficult, I'm trying to get my adrenaline rush through other ways but in a way it's nice as Darek is helping me and I can give him the best routes to take."

The half marathon, which is a North Wales alternative to the Vale - Anturio Coastal Running Festival, will take place on September 14 at midday.

Mark has planned the route along the North Wales Coast, starting at the Holy Well and Chapel of St Trillo and finishing at the Rhyl Eisteddfod Circle.

He added:"I reckon the route is about 20.5 km but there is a circular path around the stones so we'll just have to do enough laps to make it up to the 21.1 km.

"Not sure how many laps this will be but we can stand in the middle and cheer!

"The plan is to have other carers and friends to join in and run a few kilometres along the route with Darek as well. I can do a few laps around the stones at the end with him also.

"I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible really and try and get as many people as possible involved."

Anyone wishing to donate to Mark's cause can do so via the fundraising page at

https://www.walesairambulance.com/fundraisers/air-tastes-beautiful

.