A DOCTOR who had asthma as a child has completed the London Marathon in aid of the British Lung Foundation.

Dr Gareth Williams, who works at Darlington Memorial Hospital, completed the race in five hours and 20 minutes, crossing the line in 20,347th place.

Dr Williams had asthma as a child and was a teenage smoker, but he kicked the habit while a trainee doctor, aged 30, when someone younger than him died from lung cancer.

As a keen marathon runner, Dr Williams, who lives in Billingham, decided to run this year's race to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

He said: "I was really glad to finish the race and was delighted with my time. It is a worthwhile charity and I was happy to run for it."

Dr Williams needs to raise £1,500 and is still looking for sponsorship and donations.

The hospital is holding a number of events to raise money for the charity.

Anyone who would like to help, is asked to send a cheque, made payable to The British Lung Foundation, to Dr Williams, c/o ward 52, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Woodlands Road, Darlington.