HOSPITAL patients on a revolutionary treatment programme for chronic back pain have stepped out to prove their new-found fitness and raise funds for a support group.

Only weeks ago, each of the patients taking part in the Cleveland Nuffield Hospital's spinal rehabilitation programme had severely limited physical abilities due to their medical condition. Some could not even walk the length of a room.

However, thanks to the programme run by the hospital at the Spinal Rehabilitation Education Centre, at Teesside's David Lloyd Leisure health and fitness centre, each is enjoying a new lease of life.

On Friday, about 30 of the patients took part in a sponsored Turkey Trot where they walked or ran 5km.

The event began at the Talpore pub, at the Tees Barrage, where the Trotters made their way around a circular course, passing the Princess Diana Bridge and Durham University Stockton campus.

Some wore fancy dress, and all were sponsored in aid of the Spinal Rehabilitation Programme Patient Support Group, which they have set up and run themselves.

Senior physiotherapist Greg Henderson, who has helped to organise the Turkey Trot, said: "Several weeks ago these people led lives which were very limited by their conditions. Yet here they are now, walking or running 5km.