REDCAR grandfather Stan Barron is raising money for some of the sickest children in the country by taking part in The Great North Run.

Mr Barron, 62, is running in his fifth Great North Run on behalf of Zoe's Place Baby Hospice.

The hospice is based in Liverpool but takes referrals from all over the country.

It is unique as it is the only hospice which looks after seriously handicapped babies, providing respite care or full care for a few days or a few months, while at the same time providing as much help and support for the children's families.

Mr Barron has visited Zoe's Place and said he was very impressed with what he saw there. So far, he has raised more than £1,100 for the hospice and has pledged to continue his support.

Mr Barron said he got into running as a means of keeping fit following his retirement.

"I had time to do the training and I thought I would like to do it for this cause.

"It is a wonderful experience on the day and it is really good. I train for 26 weeks a year and at times I feel I can't do it. But then I just think of the babies I am helping and I keep on going because I think I might just be getting something out of it for them."