A POPULAR Irvine teacher is set to take on the London Marathon this weekend in aid of an incredibly worthy cause.
Kirsty Wallace is one of thousands of runners set to descend on the English capital on Sunday, April 27, to take on the famous 26.2 mile route.
A primary 1 teacher at Annick Primary School, Kirsty secured a spot in the famed event as the nominated representative for local running club Ron's Runners.
She will be travelling down south this weekend and hopes to raise as much money as possible for her chosen charity - Breakthrough T1D.
Formally known as JDRF, the organisation is the leading global Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy charity, who help make everyday life better while driving toward cures.
Through her JustGiving page - available at justgiving.com/page/kirsty-wallace-2 - Kirsty has already raise more than £1,300 before heading down to London, smashing her initial £400 goal.
It is hoped the money will go a long way in supporting a charity close to her heart.
On her fundraising page, Kirsty said: "My younger brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 22 years ago at the age of just three.
"I have watched changes in technology totally transform his quality of life. More funding for research will only continue to enhance these technologies.
"My brother is an exceptional human who takes everything in his stride without a complaint.
"I will be fundraising and running for him. He makes me proud every day so I am hoping I can do the same for him."
While her role as a teacher has helped provide further inspiration.
Kirsty added: "A pupil in my class also has type 1 diabetes. This little individual reminds me so much of my brother when he was younger.
"He is so resilient and takes everything in his strike. It is a privilege to be his teacher and I am so proud of him."
With help from her school and families of her pupils, Kirsty has a huge support group behind her and has received so many kind messages of encouragement.
Annick Primary even hosted a dress down day on Friday, April 25, with donations received further boosting Kirsty's cause.
A friend of the teacher added: "We all wish her the best of luck in the marathon and hope that the money raised for Breakthrough T1D will help in giving others the support they need in managing and living with Type 1 diabetes."
