A man who was given a two per cent chance of survival after a crash which left him with brain damage has overcome the odds to complete a charity 3k event.

John Noble, 29, from Stokesley, was involved in the crash in Hutton Rudby in April 2015, which left him with devastating head injuries and killed his friend. He was given a two per cent chance of survival by doctors who treated him for nine months at Middlesbrough’s James Cook Hospital.

John spent a further 13 months at the Walkergate Park Centre in Newcastle, where he was still unable to talk, walk or eat.

John in the hospital following the devastating crashJohn in the hospital following the devastating crash (Image: JOHN NOBLE)

He and his family were told by experts that he would never be able to walk or talk again, but, after nine years, John has defied expectations, and can now walk with a frame and hold conversations.

Gradually, the now 29-year-old has managed to relearn many skills, and managed to complete the Middlesbrough 3k earlier this month.

John before the Middlesbrough 3K eventJohn before the Middlesbrough 3K event (Image: JOHN NOBLE)

A keen runner and footballer before the accident when he was just 20, John said that the recovery to this point has been “very difficult” but he is “proud” of the progress he has made. He said: “I used to be a keen runner, who would also play football – I had to relearn walking during my recovery, and I’m proud I’ve managed to do this 3k.”

The 3k event, which took place on September 1, was an opportunity to raise funds for James Cook Hospital and the doctors who he credits with saving his life.

John Noble and his friend Bethan McCarthyJohn Noble and his friend Bethan McCarthy (Image: JOHN NOBLE)

John added: “Without James Cook and the doctors, I would not be here. They saved my life.”
For the Middlesbrough 3k, John, who walks with a supporting frame, was joined by five of his friends and his physio Jenny Alexanders.

John enjoying a drink after the Middlesbrough 3KJohn enjoying a drink after the Middlesbrough 3K (Image: JOHN NOBLE)

After completing the feat, he says he is “over the moon” and now has Middlesbrough’s 10k as a goal for next year.

He has managed to raise more than £600 for James Cook Hospital during his 3k charity challenge, with people still able to donate to his fundraising page here.