AN UNCLE from Nailsworth is planning to run the London Marathon to raise money for a charity which helps children who have the same life-threatening condition as his two-and-a-half year old niece Emily Drury.

James Jeffery, 29, who lives in Market Street, was inspired to run the gruelling 26 miles by his sister Jo's daughter Emily, who was taken to hospital in June 2008 and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

She was fitted with a 'pump', which is strapped to her waist to administer insulin as her body dictates. Without the pump Emily would not be able to live, as it maintains a stable insulin level in her body while she grows.

But James says that while Emily benefits from a pump, which costs £3,000 to supply and run, others miss out and are in constant danger of becoming ill.

He is running the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, April 25 in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has set a target of £1,500.

The foundation is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for the illness, which strikes children suddenly and makes them insulin-dependent for life.

James, who manages Archway Sports Centre and runs PE classes at various primary schools, said: "A cure will help children play without the worry of life-threatening consequences."

To find out more or to sponsor James visit www.justgiving.com/James-Jeffery