DARWEN MP Janet Anderson has praised a marathon mum for raising money for a neo-natal department.

Beryl Thomas, 53, from Hesketh Close, ran the gruelling London Marathon in angel wings to raise money for the Queen's Park Hospital department in which her twins were born.

Katie and Kelly, now celebrating their 21st birthdays, were born ten weeks premature and were initially given a 50-50 chance of survival.

The MP wrote to the mother, praising her spirit and determination. She said: "I read about your run in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and I wanted to write to you to say well done and congratulate you on your feat.

"If there's anything I can do to help you in the future, let me know."

Beryl said: "It was lovely to receive such a nice letter and it makes me feel very proud. I'm so glad that the money has gone to such a good cause."