THE son of an avid marathon runner left brain damaged after a car accident has been inspired to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

Dave Willis, 50, was treated at Headway Dorset in Poole for five years following a horrific crash in 1998 which left medics with no option but to remove part of his brain.

The picture of health, sporty Dave could regularly be seen pounding the promenade at Bournemouth beach and had competed in eight marathons around the world, including one in an impressive two hours 45minutes and 18 seconds.

However, that all ended after he sustained the severe brain injury and he began the painstaking process of rebuilding his life.

Dave’s son, Mark, was just 11 when the accident happened and he has witnessed first-hand the support provided by Headway.

Now aged 28 and a father-of-three himself, he has pledged to raise £1,000 for the charity by running the London Marathon.

“I owe Headway a huge amount for the great work and patience they have had with him,” said Mark.

“Now I am a dad and seeing how great he is with my children, I am taking on this marathon challenge to help raise awareness and raise as much money for them as possible, as this is the best way I can say thank you for giving my children their granddad.”

Mark’s proud step-mum Katrina said the time of the accident had been traumatic for the family, adding: “We didn’t know whether he would survive but he is so much of a fighter – and luckily Mark has that determination as well. He won’t let anything beat him.

“We had these professionals around us. They knew how to get the best out of him and got more and more creative.

“He wasn’t doing the running anymore, but we still have the display cabinet with all the new things he has done, like the pottery he has made, and it is side-by-side his running medals and cups. I call it his achievement cabinet.”

Although the impact of the injury remains, Dave’s mental and physical rehabilitation has been remarkable. Against all the odds, he now enjoys regular horse riding, sailing and going to the gym.

To sponsor Mark in the forthcoming marathon, you can visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/markwillis82.

And more information about Headway Dorset can be found at: headwaydorset.org.uk.