A STUDENT is putting on his running shoes to raise awareness about diabetes.

Laurie Clarke, 18, from Billericay, has signed up for the London Marathon after witnessing the affect Type 1 diabetes had on the life of close friend, Ellie Crawley, 18, from Hutton.

He said: “I’ve known Ellie for about six years and until then, I didn’t know very much about diabetes.

“I help her as much as I can and she manages her condition really well, but it would be much better if she didn’t have to.

“I’d like to help raise money which can contribute to more effective methods of treating diabetes and working towards a cure. The eradication of all kinds of diabetes would be a wonderful thing.”

He is raising money for Diabetes UK and hopes to raise £1,600 and complete the marathon in less than four and a half hours.

To sponsor Laurie, visit uk.virgingiving.com/LaurieClarke