A YOUNG man, who was described as "the real winner of the Great North Run", has lost his inspirational battle against cancer.

Matt Hadden, 28, a finalist in tonight's Local Heroes Awards at Wynyard Hall, died peacefully at home in Dalton-on-Tees, near Darlington, last night.

Matt who had been training to be a police officer, felt a niggle in his leg and went on to be diagnosed with a rare bone cancer which became terminal.

 

Matt inspired millions when he completed the Great North Run in September, despite having a leg amputated due to bone cancer. Matt and his team raised around £8,000 for Maggies, a support centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

 

As well as the Great North Run, he also completed an eight mile walk and a one mile swim to raise money for cancer charities.

 

A tribute will be paid to Matt at tonight's Local Heroes ceremony, organised by The Northern Echo.

 

 

The Northern Echo Article