MUMS always go the extra mile for their kids and this one literally will be as she takes on the Great Manchester Run in support of her daughter who has the potentially life-threatening Type 1 diabetes.

Ruth McDonald, aged 37, will be raising money for Diabetes UK, on May 20, in the 10k event, cheered on by 16-year-old Molly who was diagnosed with the condition when she was just two.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin which is needed to carry glucose around the body. It is treated with daily insulin doses −taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.

If left undiagnosed or not managed well Type 1 diabetes can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) a life-threatening complication that requires urgent medical attention. Ruth, a fleet co-ordinator from Mossley, wanted to do something totally out of her comfort zone to help the charity.

Having always found running difficult she decided to set herself the mile-crunching challenge.

The mum-of-three explained Molly is an absolute inspiration and copes well with the life-sentence dealt by the diabetes.

“I know that managing diabetes can be really difficult for Molly, it’s a life-long condition - she can’t just have a day off.

“Molly was admitted into hospital last summer, because she developed diabetic ketoacidosis, which then led to kidney failure.

“After that horrible time in hospital I made a promise I would set myself a challenge. A challenge I have to stick to, the same as she does.”

The run will see over 30,000 people take to the streets of Manchester.

Ruth, who will be cheered on by all the family on the day, has been training hard for the event but her efforts have been hampered by a fractured toe.

She added: “It’s healed well so I’m hoping to get back into training soon.”

“I’m not a runner so this is a big challenge for me. I know it might be tough but the support of my family will spur me on.”

Fiona Menzies, Diabetes UK Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re really grateful to Ruth for taking on this challenge for us. The money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns to change the lives of people with diabetes and their families.”

Both the 10K and half marathon courses take in some of the city’s most iconic sights, including Old Trafford Football Ground and the Imperial War Museum North.

Runners will also pass the famous cobbles of Coronation Street’s new set and Beetham Tower, the 554ft skyscraper near the finish line.

To sponsor Ruth go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruthmcdonald1.

To find out more about taking part in the Great Manchester Run for Diabetes UK visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/Great-Manchester-Run.