A RUNNER from Kidderminster has raised over £1000 in support of his nine-year-old daughter Ellie who has type 1 diabetes.

David Pountney, of Sutton Road, has undertaken several sponsored marathons and runs to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), with many more planned for the rest of the year.

The dad completed the KAPOW Superhero Challenge 10k obstacle run with Ellie on Saturday, June 15, and will be attempting the Three Peaks Challenge this weekend.

David said: "It's been very hard work. I have been feeling the effect on my legs in the last month.

"I'll keep on going and I'm looking forward to the eight hour drive to Ben Nevis this weekend. I'm feeling prepared."

Ellie was diagnosed with diabetes just after Christmas in 2017, after developing a severe headache.

The diagnosis was made after Ellie's sister Charlotte died at birth four years ago.

Ellie now has to inject herself four times a day and have numerous finger pricks to keep her blood sugars under control.

David said: "This obviously came as a huge shock to us and has meant that our life has once again dramatically changed.

"Although Ellie has dealt with it fantastically it is a lot to cope with so soon after we lost her sister Charlotte."

David added: "My wife and I check Ellie's blood sugar levels twice a night.

"It's a lot for a nine-year-old to take."

So far this year, David has completed events including the Gloucester Half Marathon, the Olympic Park Half Marathon, and the Gloucester 20 Mile Race.

He has raised a total of £1,106.20 for JDRF and is close to reaching his target of £1,500. People can donate to David's JustGiving page via justgiving.com/fundraising/jdrf2019.

The intrepid runner will also be taking on events including the Blackpool Run the Lights 10k, the Equinox 24 Hour Race and the Birmingham Half Marathon.

David said: "JDRF are committed to eradicating type 1 diabetes and its effects for everyone in the UK with type 1, and those at risk of developing it.

"They fund world class research and ensure it moves forward as fast as possible.

"We have received invaluable support from JDRF and the diabetes community over the past year as we attempt to make sense of this condition.

"It is my hope that the continued research will eventually find a cure so that my daughter doesn't have to grow up with this horrible condition."