A tireless fundraiser who fought back to fitness after a horrific car crash has celebrated raising £100,000 for Hartlepool’s Alice House Hospice.

Phil Holbrook suffered 30 broken bones and has been left with permanent nerve damage following the collision near Greatham two days before Christmas in 2012.

Sadly, his wife Sally, aged 48, died in the accident and Phil spent three months recovering from his injuries in James Cook hospital.

After learning to walk again he took up running again in 2014 and with friends raised just over £5,000 for the hospice, which Sally was a keen supporter of.

Phil Holbrook (left) with Alice House Hospice members Janice Forbes, Gil Parker and Greg Hildreth. Picture by FRANK REID

placeholder image — Phil Holbrook (left) with Alice House Hospice members Janice Forbes, Gil Parker and Greg Hildreth. Picture by FRANK REID

Phil continued raising money under the banner Team Sally in memory of her, with Phil and supporters taking part in Great North Runs, Park Runs and other community events.

He later renamed the initiative #TeamHolbrook to also honour his second wife, Gillian, who died in November 2021 and who was a dedicated volunteer at the hospice.

The fund recently passed the £100,000 mark since its start thanks to a music day at The Blacksmiths Arms, one of many events the pub has held for the team.

Retired council officer Phil, 66, said: “It’s surreal to think from £5,000 we are now at £100,000.

Phil with a selection of press cuttings of #TeamHolbrook's fundraising over the last 12 years.

“Lots of people have been involved who have donated prizes, money and entered stupid things that we’ve done, ridiculous things that we thought ‘Nobody will buy into them’, but they did.”

Phil, who has permanent nerve damage down his left side, praised the “life-changing” physiotherapy he received at James Cook.

He holds a memorial run every December 23 on the Headland and one in the summer.

Another annual highlight is a music fundraiser featuring top established and up-and-coming performers held at various venues for a number of years.

Greg Hildreth, business and communications senior manager at Alice House, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement and I think everybody should be really proud and aware of the massive difference that this money has made to local families.”

Phil, who also represents Fens and Greatham ward on Hartlepool Borough Council, thanked everybody who has helped to reach the milestone.

He added: “The fundraising doesn’t stop here. Although we have got to £100,000 and it’s taken us 12 years we just carry on.”