A FORMER air ambulance pilot is returning to running after recovering from his injuries sustained in a second major crash.

Jim Martin (59) broke both his legs, his left hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder, shattered his skull and suffered severe internal bleeding after his aircraft crashed back in December 2007.

It was the second serious disaster the former Great North Air Ambulance Service pilot had been involved in.

Jim spent four years recovering in hospital as he underwent 14 operations and suffered double vision, resulting in him losing his flying licences.

He took up job offers in Abu Dhabi on the Black Sea following the accident, training crews and setting up new medical helicopter units to remain involved in the air ambulance service.

Although he is still recovering from the major crash, Jim is wanting to return to the active lifestyle he once enjoyed as a keen skier, climber and runner.

And to help him back into the old routine, he will be one of the thousands of runners lining the streets from Newcastle to South Shields as part of the Simplyhealth Great North Run, on September 10.

He said: “I am supporting St Oswald’s Hospice as my wife has worked for them for many years, and I have seen the great work they do.

“They were the first place I was able to have a full bath after a climbing accident in 2006, and they lent me an electric scooter so I could get out of the house when I couldn’t walk.

“I always wanted to do the Great North Run. It will be a huge challenge as I am still very limited and have constant pain my ankles. The furthest I have managed so far is 15km. I just want to get across the iconic bridge and see the crowds at the end.”