THE head of a trust which works with a number of schools around Bradford has raised almost £3,000 after successfully completing the Manchester Marathon.

Helen Rowland, the chief executive of Focus-Trust, ran the 26.2 miles in 5:25:39 for Diabetes UK.

Focus-Trust is based in the North West of England. It is a charitable multi-academy trust which was established in 2012.

It works with 15 primary academies including Thornton, Primary School, Wilsden Primary School, Birstall Primary School and Shibden Head Primary Academy, in Queensbury.

Mrs Rowland chose the charity as her youngest son, Thomas, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in August 2014.

Speaking after her first marathon achievement she said: Commenting on her achievement, Helen said: “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me and contributed to my fundraising efforts; it was really uplifting to have had so many family and friends cheering me on around the route.

“I’m also extremely grateful to my brother who cycled alongside me from 15.5 to 26.2 miles and played all of my favourite songs to boost my morale.”

Diabetes UK funds research into systems to make life with Type 1 diabetes as straightforward as possible and, as a result, Thomas, now age 13, benefits from a continuous blood glucose scanner and an insulin pump.

She added: “Whilst training for this marathon, I had a lot of time to think and reflect on life and I’m extremely grateful to Diabetes UK for supporting Thomas, and all other people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes."

Maria Whittaker, Diabetes UK regional fundraiser added: “Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers.

“We are extremely grateful to Helen for her hard work – running a marathon is no mean feat. Her huge fundraising effort, achieved with the fantastic support of her local community, will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”