Paul Smart is running the London Marathon in memory of his twin baby nieces, who were born too soon at St George's Hospital in Tooting. Paul, a keen runner, is dedicating his 26.2 mile run to little Chloe and Isabel.

Paul's sister Helen Shattock, mum to Chloe and Isabel, says she is very proud of her brother's Marathon efforts. “Last autumn my husband, Laurie, and I were blessed with the news that we were expecting identical twin girls. All was going well. Then in January we found ourselves at our local hospital from where we were rushed to St George's in London where our beautiful girls were unexpectedly born 17 weeks early. 
 

“Chloe and Isabel were tiny, weighing just over a pound each, but were perfectly formed. They were cared for by the amazing staff of St George's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (with some helping hands from ourselves during feeding times and nappy changes!) From the outset we knew their chances were slim but as the days went on and the more we got to know their feisty little personalities we started to have some hope that we could be some of the lucky ones. We even got to see them open their eyes for the first time! Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and, despite their fighting spirits and all the efforts of the doctors and nurses looking after them, after 16 days with them we had to say goodbye.

“Even though we don't have the chaotic family life we had hoped for, we feel extremely lucky to have had that time with our girls and we are eternally grateful to all the staff at St George's who gave it to us and were there for support every step of the way, even at 2am.

“My brother, Paul Smart, has chosen to run the London Marathon this year in memory of our girls and is looking to raise money for First Touch, the charity which helps fund the Neonatal Unit at St George's Hospital.

“We are so pleased that Paul is raising money for this amazing cause and helping them provide the care that other, hopefully more lucky, babies need.”

You can help Paul and First Touch by donating here.

The First Touch charity supports the neonatal unit at St George's Hospital by raising funds for vital medical equipment, specialist neonatal nurse training and welfare schemes for families with babies at the neonatal unit. Find out more on their website at www.first-touch.org.uk/.