MEMORIES of a young cancer victim will live on in the hospital that battled for her life, thanks to the marathon efforts of a college student.

Katie Grant, who died in May aged two-and-a-half, inspired Damon Hazell to run the London Marathon so that Katie and her parents could take a holiday.

The Bishop Auckland College student collected nearly £4,500, but Katie was too ill to make the planned trip to Eurodisney, in Paris.

Instead, the money will be used to buy toys and equipment for the children's outpatient department at Newcastle General Hospital, where Katie received months of treatment.

Her parents, Andy and Justine, from Darlington, are having Katie's name marked on all the items.

Mrs Grant said: "It will be really great for Katie to be remembered at the hospital. She really loved going there and it is nice to give something back.

"Damon heard what was happening to us because my husband is a lecturer, and decided to do the marathon.

"Other students raised money as well. They worked very hard and we appreciate what they did for Katie."

Mr Hazell expected his run to raise £1,000 but was overwhelmed by the response from college staff and students.