A PARAMEDIC from Kendal has raised close to £2,000 for the neonatal unit that saved his twins' lives.

Timothy Miles completed the 26.2 miles in an impressive 3hrs 23mins, saying that it was 'one tough race'.

"It really was a challenge to keep going," he said. "I used the energy gels and water as planned in my training and I think this all really helped.

"Having your name on your vest is a must. Every five metres or so someone would shout: 'Come on Tim' which certainly helped in the later stages when my legs were crying out 'please stop'."

Mr Miles, 40, ran the London Marathon in aid of the neonatal unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, which cared for his premature twins, Harry and Lola.

"The atmosphere was amazing," he said. "I heard it would be but you can't put into words how great it feels. I felt like an elite athlete - although I was far from that! It is an experience I will never forget."

The Kendal Amateur Athletic Club member carried two large squeaky dummies as he ran, to represent his cause.

"My wife, children, sister and her girlfriend Dani managed to find a location where they could watch me twice," he said.

"I managed to give Harry and Lola a big sweaty hug which was lovely. It says it all - to have Harry and Lola in London watching me run the London Marathon, when you think how of how their little lives began.

"This has been my way of saying thank you to the neonatal unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. It was a promise I made six years ago and one I was always going to keep."