A WINDOW cleaner is donning his running shoes to raise awareness of his son’s rare condition caused by Type 1 diabetes.

Laurence Gorman, 44, has signed up for the Bupa Great Manchester Run with Diabetes UK on May 20.

He will be competing in the event for his 13-year-old son Edward, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of eight.

However, he also has a diabetes-related condition called necrobiosis on his legs.

Type 1 diabetes develops when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed.

It accounts for around 10 per cent of all people with diabetes, cannot be prevented and is not connected with being overweight.

People with Type 1 diabetes have to take insulin several times a day to stay alive.

Edward’s condition is currently managed with four daily injections.

Laurence, of Rosehill Road, Burnley, said: “It was a huge shock for the family when Edward was first diagnosed and it is still a worry every day for his mum and me, especially as Edward is very independent and at 13 wants to go out more on his own.

“Edward is a normal lad and hasn’t let his condition get in the way of anything he wants to do, from playing for football and cricket teams, to climbing Mount Snowdon with his mum.

“Necrobiosis is very, very rare – something like 0.3 per cent of diabetics get it. It affects the skin and his shins, so when playing football he has to have extra protection.

Laurence, who is self-employed and works across East Lancashire, said: “Edward wants to be a PE teacher when he is older and we hope that the insulin pump will allow him to live the life that he wants.

To sponsor Laurence visit the website www.justgiving.com/Laurence-Gorman.

To take part in one of the Bupa Great Runs, go to the website www.diabetes.org.uk/ bupa