AN IT engineer swapped a keyboard for running shoes when he raised more than £1,400 after taking part in the Redcar Half Marathon.

Robert Whitehouse, who has worked for Stagecoach North East for the last 15 years, decided to run his first major race since he was a teenager and signed up for this year’s half marathon in his hometown.

The inspiration for attempting the gruelling 13 mile race was to raise around £500 for the South Tees Hospital Neonatal Special Care Unit, which is close to hearts of Robert and his wife Claire.

He said: “Nearly five years ago our daughter, to our shock and surprise, was born eight weeks premature and weighed just 4lb 11oz. She was our first born and after her birth she was immediately taken from us and whisked off to the Neonatal unit. We were terrified but we needn't have been, as the care that she received in those first 25 days of her life that she spent there was truly incredible.

"It was the hardest time of our entire lives but was made as bearable as it could be by each and every one of the outstanding staff that helped us and our tiny baby. So I swore I would try to help them one day and give something back.”

After setting up a Just Giving page, Mr Whitehouse has been overwhelmed with the response, with a current total of £1436.54 including a £100 donation from Stagecoach North East, smashing his goal of £500.