Indiana Conservation Officer Max Winchell usually runs just to get some exercise, but now he's running for a different purpose. He's raising money for Parke County Sheriff's Deputy Jim Awbrey.

 "I was working with Jim a couple of days before the accident and we were together on a case and he really helped me. Just two days later t his happened," says Winchell.

 Awbrey suffered very serious injuries after a truck rear-end his patrol car back in August. The crash broke Awbrey's back in three spots paralyzing him from the chest down. As the 42 year-old father of three works hard to overcome those injuries, Winchell works hard to train for this weekend's Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis. He'll be running the 26.2 miles in honor of a man only given a 10 percent chance of ever walking again.

 "They're gonna need modifications to their home. Jim is going to be in a wheelchair a long time and just tremendous additional costs," says Winchell.

Winchell is asking people to sponsor him for each mile he runs or to give a donation. All the money raised goes to the Jim Awbrey accident fund.

 By phone,  Awbrey told WTWO he's grateful for what Winchell is doing and for the help he's received from others. Quote: "I just would like everyone to know i appreciate everything that everyone has done. It means a lot to me and my family."

As for Winchell,  He hopes this effort will give an emotional boost to the family and let them know they have a lot of support.

Awbrey spent 2 months in the hospital. He's now back home going to rehab 3 days a week.

You can donate to the Jim Awbrey accident fund at any First Financial Bank. You can sponsor Max Winchell by emailing him at mwinchell@dnr.in.gov