A FATHER whose two children died in a house fire is to complete a charity run to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Robert Sands, 36, lost his two children, Caitlin Scully, and one-year-old Joseph Sands, in the fire on Charlbury Close, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough on October 5, 2001.

Now he is to run the Middlesbrough 10k Tees Pride race on Sunday, September 6 for the charity and also spread a simple message: always install a smoke alarm in your home.

"I lost two kids all because I didn't have working smoke alarms," said Mr Sands, a father-of-five, who hopes to raise £500 from the run. "It was over 13 years ago but I can still see the faces of the fire crews at the inquest afterwards. I want to give something back."

Mr Sands, a baker at Morrisons' Ormesby Road supermarket in Middlesbrough, said he is extra vigilant with friends and family about smoke alarms. He said: "When I go to people's houses I look to see if they have a smoke alarm. If they don't, I nag them to get one."

The two toddlers died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. An inquest found a match had ignited, setting light to clothes under a bed. The children were being looked after by two 13-year-old babysitters, daughters of neighbours, who escaped unharmed.

Mr Sands was working away in Derby as a labourer at the time and his then-partner was working as a bar supervisor.

He said he thinks about Caitlin and Joseph "every, single day."

"Caitlin was the brightest three-year-old I think I've ever met," he said. "She knew my home number down in Derby off by heart. You could tell Joseph was going to be a big lad from his shoulders. I want everyone to have a smoke alarm, it is something you must have."

Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "The tragic deaths of Caitlin and Joseph have never been forgotten by Cleveland Fire Brigade. We are very grateful to Robert."

Margaret Barnes Smith, regional fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity, said: "Robert can be certain his fundraising will make a difference. We will be cheering on Robert every step of the way."

The father has already raised £100 and is hoping workmates will donate. He has set up a justgiving website page for the public to contribute at justgiving.com/Robert-Sands1/