A SOLDIER from Frinton will run the London Marathon in aid of a hospital unit which saved the lives of his mum and sister.

Ben Hughes-Day, 23, will run the 26.2-mile endurance race for the Colchester General Hospital Neonatal Unit.

In 2002 his mum went into labour 14 weeks prematurely and his little sister Megan was born weighing just one pound and six ounces.

Both mum and daughter were left clinging to life, but pulled through due to the close care of the Colchester unit.

Now 11 years old, Megan is a year six pupil at Frinton Primary School is an avid Ipswich Town fan and enjoys visiting Portman Road with her big brother.

Ben, who is currently serving with the Royal Corps of Signals and based in Wiltshire, said: “When my little sister was born, she and my mum Amanda were left in a life-threatening condition.

“It it wasn’t for the hard work and the amazing job everyone at the hospital did, they both might not be here today.”

People can sponsor Ben’s efforts online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenHughesDay