A MIDWIFE has run a 10km race in aid of North Yorkshire charities.

Andy Brown took part in The Great Bristol 10K raised £1,200 by taking part in the run, which will be split between Harrogate Maternity Unit - where he has worked for eight years - and York Down Syndrome Support Group.

Andy’s daughter, Darcey, now aged six, was born with Down Syndrome, and he said the support he has received from the group has been invaluable to the whole family throughout her life, and he wanted to give something back.

He said: "I wanted to say thank you for the support me and my family have received from York Down Syndrome Support Group, and also to raise valuable funds for both the Maternity Unit, where my colleagues do such an amazing job and the support group that has helped me so much over the past six years.

"I also ran to try and make my wife and daughter proud, and to try and become a little more worthy of their love."

He completed the run in 58 min and 47 seconds, placing 5,480, and while he was delighted to come in under the hour mark, he is already planning his next run - the York 10k.

David Fisher, community and events fundraiser at Harrogate District Hospital, said: "It is wonderful when the staff from within Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust get involved with fundraising for the charity, it just goes to show how passionate they are, and the commitment they have for their patients.

"Andy really has gone the extra mile to make sure local people who choose to have their baby delivered in Harrogate are able to do so in the best surroundings, and with the best possible equipment."

To sponsor Andy, go to justgiving.com/HDFTCMaternity