a former special forces soldier who was dubbed “the man who came back from the dead”

after surviving being shot in the head.

Darlington-born David Patrick Collins, 56, died in hospital on Christmas Eve following a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mr Collins amazed doctors when he not only survived three days alone in the African bush after being shot by terrorists in October 1977, but then went on to make an almost full recovery.

His incredible story was documented in a book by Barbara Cole, called The Elite: Rhodesian Special Air Service.

Doctors operated to remove shrapnel from Mr Collins’ body, but the then 21-year-old was left blind, unable walk, talk or to read and write.

Although the medical prognosis was bleak, through intense determination and rehabilitation, Mr Collins recovered some of his sight, and learnt to walk and communicate again.

Returning to his native Darlington, he rejoined the Territorial Army as a permanent general duties man and worked as a slaughterman for R Pigg, in Valley Street, Darlington.

He also jumped with the Parachute Regiment display team the Red Devils, earning the coveted Golden Yo-Yo title for the most drops in a year.

Mr Collins met his wife, Diane, now 57, at a singles night in The King’s Hotel, then The King’s Head, in Darlington, in 1986. The couple were married two years later.

Recalling the incident in a remote forest in south-east Mozambique, Africa, Mrs Collins said: “He was left for three days in the bush, presumed dead. His friend returned for his body and found him still alive.”

She said she was very proud of her husband, who completed ten-mile runs several times a week and ran the Stockton Marathon with a full Army kit on his back to raise awareness for his regiment, the 4th Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve of the Parachute Regiment.

“He was always immaculate,”

she said. “Everything had to be perfect. He always tried his best and never gave up. If someone said he couldn’t do it, he would prove them wrong. He fought right to the very end. I am so proud of him and everything he achieved.”

Due to ongoing complications as a result of his head injury, Mr Collins was admitted to West Park Hospital three years ago.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.

Mr Collins is survived by his wife, stepchildren Elizabeth and Christopher and six stepgrandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday in St Andrew’s Church, Haughton, at 1.30pm.

A private family ceremony will take place afterwards at Darlington Crematorium.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mind.