A FORMER top runner who became one of the region's first to have a tiny heart-start machine implanted in his chest is raising funds for a support group.

Paul Harker, 43, had a successful career as a runner, vying for Olympic honours - finishing ahead of Steve Cram in the British squad qualifying race in 1980 - and holding the regional 1,500m title on five occasions.

He was also the first ever winner of the Darlington 10km Road Run.

But, in April 1998, he suffered a heart attack. Six months later, he had returned to work and was jogging again, but tests showed his heart had an abnormal rhythm.

"I had four or five extra heartbeats in my normal rhythm and they decided I needed to be fitted with an implantable defibrillator," he said.

Last year, he had a £25,000 defibrillator fitted at South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, where he is now helping with a support group for people like himself.

Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds has agreed to let Paul, from Newton Aycliffe, use the club's Ambassador Suite, at Feethams, free of charge for the fundraising event, which takes place on September 16, at 7pm.

A band called Musical Time Machine have also offered their services for free.

The evening will include a raffle and Paul is looking for prizes from firms in the area. Donors can contact him on (01325) 300058, or Jayne Usher on (01642) 854621.