MARATHON man Mark Sykes has raised hundreds of pounds for a life-saving initiative launched by mother of three Ruth Helm.

Mark is a teacher at Wincham Community Primary School, which is supporting a fund created by Ruth after her daughter Leilah suffered a cardiac arrest in 2012.

A defibrillator was used by the ambulance crew called to Leilah’s home, and subsequent tests revealed she had Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a rare inherited heart condition which caused the cardiac arrest.

Because of her condition she has regular check-ups and is on Beta Blockers, and due to the risk of another arrest Ruth, from Northwich, carries a defibrillator whenever she is out with Leilah.

Ruth, who was a nurse for 20 years, wanted a defibrillator of her own, and family and friends raised enough money to pay for three.

The fund has been boosted by a Lloyds TSB community award of £3,000, and £1,000 from local Jo Jingles organisers, and she has been able to donate defibrillators to six local schools, Wincham and Victoria Road Primary Schools, Rudheath Primary Academy, UCAN, The County High School, Leftwich and Hartford High School.

Mark Sykes has boosted the fund by £240 with sponsorship money he raised by entering the Robin Hood Half Marathon at Nottingham, which attracted 7,000 runners.

“It was amazing to take part in something so big, and I was really tired at the end,” said Mark, who had trained for the event by running before school since May.

He beat his target of two hours by crossing the finishing line in one hour 45 minutes.

He was cheered over the line by his wife Jenny and children, and he and his three-year-old son George have signed up for the Nantwich 2k Santa Dash in December.

“We are very lucky that Leilah is still here, and I take the defibrillator everywhere we go,” said Ruth.

“It can fit into a big handbag, and although we still worry about Leilah it gives me peace of mind.

“When she is a teenager they will consider fitting her with an internal defibrillator.

“I would like to thank Wincham Primary School for making the fund its charity for the year and Mr Sykes for his amazing support.

“Every little helps, and I hope to have enough money to donate a defibrillator to another school.”

Anyone who would like to support the fund can contact Ruth at lqtsfund@aol.com.