YORK Army chief Brigadier Andrew Farquhar and his wife, Alison, are taking on the challenge of the Great North Run on Sunday to help young stroke victims.

Alison, 42, suffered a stroke in 1994, but is finally returning to full-time work as a GP in Leeds next week after she was helped to battle back by stroke organisation Different Strokes.

She said: "Nothing prepares you for the loss of a way of life. I am still half blind and can't drive. I was about to give up all hope of returning to work when I heard about Different Strokes.

"It was good to make contact with people who had been through what I was experiencing. They were a great help and instead of giving up, I went back to Nottingham University to do a Masters degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine."

Different Strokes was formed in 1996 to help the 10,000 people of working age and younger who suffer a stroke each year.

Alison and her husband, who commands nearly 10,000 troops of 15 (North East) Brigade, which has its headquarters at Imphal Barracks in York, hope to raise more than £3,000 for Different Strokes and Action Research by completing the North East's famous half-marathon.

She has been training for the event since February with York's Knavesmire Harriers.

Brig Farquhar said: "I am used to being fit as a necessary part of being in the Army and I am delighted to be able to put it to good use.

"I have seen Alison battle to regain her health and we both feel that by raising money for Different Strokes we are helping other sufferers."

Updated: 11:55 Friday, September 14, 2001