A FORMER soldier with one of the toughest army regiments will take part in the most gruelling running race in the world to raise cash for the hospital unit which saved two generations of his family.

Damian Ozenbrook, 26, was born more than two months prematurely and was saved by the neo-natal unit at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

The money will also help his baby son Harvey, aged two, who was born early and helped by the same unit.

To raise the cash, Damian, of Aspen Lane, Oswaldtwistle, first plans to take part in the London Marathon, then the Marathon Des Sables more than 150 miles through the Sahara desert. He is now looking for sponsorship.

He said: "When Harvey was born in 2003 there were a lot of complications and he was kept in the baby unit for about three weeks. I came back from the army and basically stayed there for three weeks.

"Then I started realising the work they do at the unit and how important it was. I was in there for quite a few months myself because I was born prematurely, I weighed about two-and-a-half pounds.

"But up until now I have not been able to give anything back."

A former Mount Carmel pupil, he served in the army's parachute regiment, famed for their tough training and red berets, for five years.

He has served in Macedonia, Afghanistan and also Northern Ireland. He was due to be deployed to Iraq on the day Harvey was born, November 29 2003, but received permission to stay behind. He recently left the army.

Damian has now been given one of a few places in the April London marathon handed out to runners hoping to raise sponsorship for their own appeal or charity.

But the biggest challenge will come when he takes part in the infamous Marathon Des Sables, the equivalent of five-and-a-half marathons.

Competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration on their backs in a rucksack such as food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

He will also be expected to raise more than £2,000 before he can enter the race, along with the cost of food and equipment.

To sponsor Damian can call him on 07763 190260.