A DOCTOR'S appeal to raise money for children with diabetes has passed the £40,000 mark, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a town mayor.

Dr Bill Lamb aims to provide an insulin pump to all the children in his care who need one.

The pump provides a constant trickle of insulin through a needle inserted under the skin, doing away with the need for multiple daily injections and reducing the risk of hypoglycaemic attacks and long-term complications.

Dr Lamb, a consultant paediatrician at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, County Durham, has been fundraising less than a year and has already been able to provide pumps for seven young patients.

Councillor Malcolm Iverson nominated the appeal as his chosen charity for his year as Mayor of Great Aycliffe.

Events he held, supported by fellow council members, have raised £12,320.

Accepting the cheque, Dr Lamb said he would be able to buy five more pumps for children in his care.

He said: "This guy has done a phenomenal job. I don't know what he's like as a mayor, but as a fundraiser he is exceptional. So far seven people have had their lives transformed in a way I would never have thought possible.

"Every time I see them they just have this huge grin on their faces. They just feel different people. I'm so immensely grateful to Malcolm and all the people who have contributed."

Dr Lamb is hoping to extend his programme and has identified children in Darlington and Durham City who would benefit.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Dr Lamb pledged to run 500 miles in his spare time and asked for sponsors, but he has now completed 1,700 miles. He can be contacted on (01388) 455190, or via his www.run 500miles.com website.