A SIX-YEAR-OLD cystic fibrosis sufferer ran a children's marathon and raised almost £1000 for research into the illness.

Little Jack Sumner of Hulme Road, Leigh ran the Great North Children's Run at Gateshead International Stadium last weekend.

Jack, who was diagnosed with the disease at five weeks old, managed to complete the three mile run in 45 minutes and can't wait to do it again next year.

The Leigh Central County Primary School pupil who, a week ago, celebrated his sixth birthday, has a two and a half-year-old sister, Molly, who is completely free from the condition.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene carried by parents and in Jack's case affects his pancreas. His body is unable to produce enzymes to clear mucus, causing his pancreas to become blocked which means he cannot take in protein.

Jack takes daily food supplements and medication to control his condition, but at the moment there is no cure.

It is normal for the disease to deteriorate over time, particularly affecting the lungs - Jack undergoes daily physiotherapy to combat this. The condition is also known for causing premature death.

Dad, John said: "Ten years ago sufferers were living until 15, but now they are surviving until around 30. I hope in 10 years time research will have eradicated the disease. There would be no more babies born with it and hopefully current sufferers will live into their 50s."

John ran the 13 mile Great North Run with three colleagues, Ian Hunter, Ken McDowell and Brian Aspinall - who also has a family member with the condition.

John completed the race, his fifth year running, in two hours and 19 minutes, but he is paying for it now.

He said: "After the first six and a half miles one knee and one calf were aching and my feet were splodging because they were bleeding so much. But looking back it doesn't seem so bad now."

The money raised is going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help their research into the disease.