Daughter to run marathon in memory of dad (From Harrow Times)

Daughter to run marathon for Stanmore charity in memory of dad

9:10am Sunday 30th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater

A daughter is preparing to run a marathon to raise money for a spinal injury charity that helped her late father. 

Amanda Byrne, of Keats Close, Borehamwood, was shocked when her beloved dad, Chris Bain, was left paralysed from the neck down in an attack in 2004.

When he died of his injuries five years later aged 53, she decided to raise cash for the Aspire Charity, based at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, who tried to help him overcome his injuries.

Mrs Byrne is now preparing to run the London Marathon next year, with her husband, John Byrne.

She said: “Aspire help these people lead as much of a normal fulfilled life as possible, and we were inspired to do this to thank them for the amazing work they do and for the way they helped my dad.

“During the time my dad was in hospital the care he received from Aspire was faultless. They worked so hard to help my dad and taught him to control his own wheelchair. These hurdles may seem small but for my dad they were life-changing.”

During his recovery, he spent seven months at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Brockley Hill.

Mr Bain, who was born and bred in Stanborough Avenue, Borehamwood, was an active and hardworking man and the attack was a “devastating blow” to his family.

Mrs Byrne added: “We lost the heart of our family when my dad died. For that reason, we are not only looking for sponsors for our marathon, we are also keen to raise awareness of the great work this charity does.”

The couple have pledged to raise £4,000. To sponsor them, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Amandaandjohnbyrne.