Longhoughton Rangers U12 coach Adam Harris was struck down by a car on Sunday afternoon during the club's mammoth 247-mile Border Challenge.

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Rangers were tackling the event – a series of running and cycling relays round the Northumberland perimeter – to raise money for the club and for Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal.

But the 23-year-old, from Longhoughton, collided with the vehicle on a national cycle route through the Goswick Park Golf Club road – just 25 miles from the finish.

But Adam, who was participating in his part of the challenge from Cocklawburn Beach to Beal Sands, is thankful to still be in one piece.

Suffering from a multitude of abrasions over most of his body and a hole in his shin, Adam said: "It was 50/50 and I am very lucky to be alive. I can not believe that no bones were broken."

He added: "I had pain in my lower back and neck at the time and I am very sore and very stiff. I will have a canny few scars."

Adam was travelling with eight Rangers members at the time of the incident.

He said: "I was looking after the welfare of the kids and went to see if a car was round the corner.

"My vision was blocked by a hedge. I didn't see the car and I was hit. It all happened so quickly."

It is believed that the car was travelling at around 10mph but had no chance of stopping because of the wet weather. The driver, a local man, phoned for an ambulance.

Adam was taken to Wansbeck General Hospital but was released later the same day.

He received a hero's welcome on his return to the end-of-event BBQ.
Despite his accident, Adam, who also cycled 26 miles on Saturday, has praised the challenge.

He said: "It was a very enjoyable event and it had gone without any hiccups until the accident."