A 68-YEAR-OLD runner has sprinted past the £200,000 mark for charity.

Raymond Pull, of Sacriston, began raising money at the first Great North Run nearly 20 years ago.

He wanted to give something back to Chester-le-Street General Hospital skin treatment ward after staff saved his hand, which was badly damaged in an industrial accident.

Mr Pull, a lifelong sports enthusiast, had severely damaged his hand working at the former Consett Steelworks a few years previously.

After raising £200 in that first sponsored race, Mr Pull continued raising money for other causes and reached the £200,000 mark in the past few weeks. He has taken part in nearly every Great North Run, two London marathons and has raised money in a number of other charity events, including raffles. Beneficiaries include Macmillan Nurses, mental handicap charities and Alzheimer's disease charities.

But raising a few hundred pounds for the Sacriston Brownies was the event that moved him to tears. The group's headquarters was raided by burglars who took games and equipment.

Mr Pull raised a couple of hundred pounds and to thank him the Brownies went to his house at Christmas and sang his favourite carols.

"I was reduced to tears," said Mr Pull. "I told them I don't want any special praise, and I don't from any of the people I raise money for. I enjoy running and I enjoy doing a bit of good at the same time."