A Bradford man who nearly died in a car crash last year is set to run the London marathon on Sunday.

John Swift, 49, of Horton Bank Top, spent more than two weeks in hospital after crashing his car in Queensbury last March.

He suffered broken ribs, collapsed lungs and a broken nose and was treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary where they pumped oxygen into his lungs to save his life.

Now, after a long recovery, he is preparing to put the wind back into other people’s lungs by running the marathon to raise money for the British Lung Foundation, a charity that helps people affected by lung disease.

“I know what it is like to not have the use of your lungs,” said Mr Swift.

“I came so close to dying, and I thought ‘I have my life back’ and I want to run a marathon before I die.

“I started training, and now I hope to complete the course in around four-and-a-half hours.”

Louise Skinner, events manager at the British Lung Foundation, said: “Through John’s hard work we will be able to fulfil his wish and help millions of people out there who are living with a lung disease.

“We wish John and all of our runners the best of luck and we will be cheering them on this weekend.”

“The ballot for next year’s marathon opens on April 26, so if you fancy giving it a go in London’s Olympic year, visit lunguk.org/event, e-mail events@blf-uk.org, or call (0207) 0787911.

You can sponsor John’s run at justgiving.com/ john-swift2.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A