Eye patients at Airedale Hospital are to benefit from the efforts of a London Marathon runner.

It was the first marathon that Jeff Noon, of Skipton Road, Utley, has ever run and he says it will probably be his last!

The 37-year-old was not sure that he would be allowed to take part in the race because he had only reached up to 12 miles during his training. "But they did accept me and I then decided to raise money for a good cause," he says.

Jeff completed the marathon in 4hrs 20mins and raised £650 through sponsorship. The money has paid for a slit lamp for the hospital's accident and emergency unit.

Dr Peter Cryer, an Airedale hospital accident and emergency department consultant, is delighted with Mr Noon's donation.

He says the new equipment means that patients will not have to travel to hospitals in Bradford for detailed eye examinations, but can be treated at Airedale instead.

"The whole department would like to thank Mr Noon for his efforts," says Dr Cryer. "It is a much needed piece of equipment and will solve a big problem."

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