A TEACHER who suffered a spinal injury in a car accident is preparing to battle through the pain barrier to run a gruelling half marathon for charity.

Brave Paul Dugdale puts himself through agony on a daily basis training for the annual BUPA Great North Run which takes place later this month in Newcastle.

The biology teacher, who works at St Theodore's RC High School, Burnley hopes to raise more than £1,000 for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Paul, 27, who lives in Burnley Road, Cliviger, said: "I had a car accident which left me with whiplash and spinal injuries which makes it very painful for me to train.

"It's been hard work training for this event as it's my first half marathon.

"When I wake up the day after training I am in total agony, but it's for a good cause and I don't want to give up now."

He added: "I chose the charity because I have always been interested in the nervous system and we have some children at school with neurological disorders."

He has raised more than £300 and hopes to smash the £1,000 barrier in time for the race on Sunday, September 26.

Paul aims to complete the race in one hour and 30 minutes.

Maggie Alexander, director of the Brain and Spine Foundation, said: "We aim to improve the quality of life for people with neurological disorders and to reduce neurological disability by providing research, education and information.

"We are delighted that Paul has decided to run in aid of the charity and wish him well during the race."

Paul has set up a special website for people to pledge donations at www.justgiving.com/pauldugdale