A DOCTOR who is running 500 miles to improve the lives of young diabetics has been spurred on by his first success.

Dr Bill Lamb's marathon effort aims to raise thousands of pounds to buy the latest treatment for his patients at Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

The paediatric consultant wants to buy as many insulin pumps as he can for the children in his care before expanding the service to the whole of the North-East region.

He became frustrated with delays in obtaining funding from National Health Service sources and, in June, pledged to run 500 miles before September, when he will take part in the Great North Run and the Nottingham Marathon.

Hathaway Roofing, of Tindale Crescent, boosted his campaign by offering to buy the first £2,000 pump outright.

It was presented to Sarah Maughan, of Hamsterley, who is one of four teenage diabetics recruited by Dr Lamb to research ways of improving the service. The pumps give insulin continuously under the skin, removing the need for up to five daily injections regulating their blood-sugar levels.

Research shows that users suffer fewer complications such as hypo attacks and have a better overall quality of life.

Dr Lamb said: "Sarah, who became diabetic over 11 years ago, has had her insulin pump for two weeks now and can hardly believe how much it has improved the quality of her life.

"Before getting the pump, she was given as least five injections of insulin a day, which is over 1,800 a year, but still had restrictions to her lifestyle.

"The pump allows Sarah to eat or not as she pleases without the worry of suffering from low or high blood sugar levels, which can be both uncomfortable and dangerous."

Dr Lamb can be contacted at Bishop Auckland Hospital on (01388) 455190 or through his website at www.run500miles.com