AN Exmouth man who was paralysed in a car crash 14 years ago is taking part in a charity run to help other people suffering from spinal injuries.

AN Exmouth man who was paralysed in a car crash 14 years ago is taking part in a charity run to help other people suffering from spinal injuries.

Ben Russell, 27, suffered a brain stem injury which left him unable to talk or move his body, and unable to breath for himself.

Despite his disability, Ben, who lives in St Johns Road, will be doing his bit to help others like himself when he takes part in the Great West Run in Exeter on May 1.

Ben will be taking part in the run on his wheelchair bike, which will be pedalled by his dad Charlie.

Starting from Bedford Street at 9am, the event will see them cover five kilometres through the city centre, and they will be joined by Ben’s carers Zoe Knight, Charlie Pengilley and Ben Reid.

They are taking on the challenge to raise money for Spinal Research, a charity which aims to find new ways to help people who suffer from injuries like Ben’s.

To add to the challenge, Ben and his team will be trying to complete the course while wearing superhero costumes!

Ben’s dad Charlie said: “Ben wanted to take part in the event to raise money, and also to raise awareness about his condition.

“We’re both looking forward to it because it’s the first event like this that we’ve done together, and we just want to raise as much money as we can.”

Ben’s carer Zoe Knight said: “I had the idea and thought it might be something Ben would be interested in, so I mentioned it to him and he really wanted to do it.

“It’s quite important to us. He’s really into raising money for charity.”

The run will not be the first time Ben has raised money for charity, as last year he raised more than �1,000 for Hospiscare by opening his garden to the public.

To sponsor Ben, log on to www.justgiving.com/lordben.