A DAD has turned Iron Man victor to raise more than £1,000 for a Bradford group helping his son after a shock diabetes diagnosis.

David Wilson, 39, who runs Shipley’s Millennium Hair Studio with wife Catherine, took up the challenge and flew to Masstrick in the Netherlands to complete the challenge at the weekend in just 13 hours and 48 minutes - 12 minutes under his personal target.

The money raised from the gruelling2.4mile swim, 112 mile bike ride then marathon distance run will all go to the Airedale & Wharfedale Diabetes UK Family Group that meets every six weeks at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Mr Wilson said the group, totally run by volunteers and reliant on wellwishers, has been a lifesaver for his family after 12-year-old Matthew fell ill and was diagnosed with Type1diabetes.

“He was thirsty all the time, getting terrible pains in his head and being really ill. It’s just as well we took him to the doctors when we did because his blood sugars were 29.5, they’re supposed to be between five and eight. He was about one or two weeks away from going into a diabetic coma.

“It was a massive shock. No one has it in the family. He’s coping very well. He has to inject himself five times a day, be careful what he eats and keep his blood sugars controlled. It’s a lot for any child to take on,” said Mr Wilson whose friend Mark Lee from Sheffield joined him on the Iron Man course.

The family found out about the support group, started by Ann Shone in 2014 after a friend’s daughter was diagnosed at the age of seven, which organises activities and outings for the children and keeps them and their family up-to-date with the latest news.

Ms Shone said; “It can feel quite isolating when you get a diagnosis like that out of the blue. It’s a shock. We’re still quite a small group but we’re glad more people are find out out about us and coming to us.

“We’re very grateful for David doing the Iron man for us. We’re very proud of his achievement.”

Talking about the group, Mr Wilson said: “It really has been a lifesaver. There’s so much to know and find out about diabetes. It could all be overwhelming but the group has been there for us. I just wanted to do something to give something back as a thank you.”

Matthew, who is a pupil at Bingley Grammar, has also been helping raise money for the group on his bike.

“I’m still walking after the Iron Man. I’ve never done anything quite like it before. It was a huge experience but I’m not sure I’ll be doing another!” said Mr Wilson who was putting in 15 hours training a week and has another son, Jake, who is 14.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the group can contact annzofia@hotmail.com