This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-52408346

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ex-player Jimmy Gittins 'inspired by Captain Tom' to walk on crutches Ex-player Jimmy Gittins inspired by Captain Tom to walk on crutches
(about 11 hours later)
An ex-rugby player left paralysed after breaking his neck says he has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to walk 26 laps of his home for charity.An ex-rugby player left paralysed after breaking his neck says he has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to walk 26 laps of his home for charity.
Jimmy Gittins broke his neck in two places while playing rugby in 2002.Jimmy Gittins broke his neck in two places while playing rugby in 2002.
He said each lap around his Wakefield home would take about half an hour to complete on crutches but "the most I've ever walked is 15 minutes" non-stop.He said each lap around his Wakefield home would take about half an hour to complete on crutches but "the most I've ever walked is 15 minutes" non-stop.
Capt Tom, 99, raised more than £28m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.Capt Tom, 99, raised more than £28m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
Mr Gittins, who started walking his first lap shortly after 08:00 BST, said he expected to complete all 26 by Sunday lunchtime with breaks in between for food, drinks and rest.Mr Gittins, who started walking his first lap shortly after 08:00 BST, said he expected to complete all 26 by Sunday lunchtime with breaks in between for food, drinks and rest.
"I've never done anything like this before."I've never done anything like this before.
"I've walked around the garden but to do 26 laps of my home - it's quite a lengthy way around the house - is quite a feat."I've walked around the garden but to do 26 laps of my home - it's quite a lengthy way around the house - is quite a feat.
"But I like a challenge.""But I like a challenge."
The 46-year-old quadriplegic and father of two described the Army veteran as "incredible".The 46-year-old quadriplegic and father of two described the Army veteran as "incredible".
"I've never thought about doing this until Captain Tom did his. I was inspired by him walking round [his garden] and I just thought what an inspiration and a lovely story and a fantastic thing for him to do."I've never thought about doing this until Captain Tom did his. I was inspired by him walking round [his garden] and I just thought what an inspiration and a lovely story and a fantastic thing for him to do.
"My wife is a paramedic and is on the frontline and I have so much respect and admiration for what they're all doing."My wife is a paramedic and is on the frontline and I have so much respect and admiration for what they're all doing.
"I, myself, have had a lot of time spent with the NHS because of my injuries."I, myself, have had a lot of time spent with the NHS because of my injuries.
"I've done a lot with regards to doing charity work and I thought what can I do to help.""I've done a lot with regards to doing charity work and I thought what can I do to help."
Mr Gittins is raising funds for two sports health charities - State of Mind Sport, of which he is a trustee, and the Steve Prescott Foundation - as part of the 2.6 challenge.Mr Gittins is raising funds for two sports health charities - State of Mind Sport, of which he is a trustee, and the Steve Prescott Foundation - as part of the 2.6 challenge.
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.