Dad sets off to run length of M1 for diabetes charity

Jamie Austin plans to run 220 miles (354km) in 10 days

A man is due to set off on a challenge to run the entire length of the M1 motorway to raise money for diabetes research.

Jamie Austin has planned a route from Leeds to London, using parallel back roads, via his home city, Nottingham.

Mr Austin, 49, thought up the challenge after his son Henry, 12, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

He hopes to complete the 220-mile (354 kilometre) route in 10 days while raising money for the JDRF charity.

The Notts County fan, who lives in London, said: "Honestly, I think a lot of people think I'm mad.

"I'm really not a proper runner. I'm feeling pretty determined though and JDRF does such really important work."

Mr Austin (left) said his son Henry had been "amazing" since he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

He said Henry was told he had the disease in June 2020.

"That really hit us hard as a family but he has been amazing," he said. "That's why I want to raise money for research into it."

He said the M1 route had seemed like it would make a good challenge.

"That road was such a big part of my life when I was a child in Nottingham - every trip north and south with the family," he said.

"We still go up it to visit my family and for Henry's medical appointments in Sheffield."

Mr Austin hopes to complete 22 miles (35.4km) each day.

So far, his online fundraising appeal has raised more than £7,000.