FIVE years of charity marathon running by a selfless fitness instructor have helped to raise thousands of pounds to change a young boy's life.

Julie Robinson, of Forest Road, Loughton, has ran the London marathon for half a decade to raise money for James Lingfield, 8, who suffers from a muscle wasting condition.

Her tireless work over the years has helped the Lingfield family buy an electric wheelchair, physiotherapy sessions, and specialist equipment for James to help him live a full life.

Julie said: “It just helps to improve their day-to-day living. There's lots of things they can buy such as special shoes and equipment.

“The first time I did it I thought I'd never do it again, but now I'm going to keep on doing it.'

Julie has been running for James ever since she was intoduced to him four years ago by hydrotherapist Carol Bagshaw who works with her at Everyone Active sports centre, on Waltham Abbey's Roundhills estate.

She had hoped to run the marathon for charity and when she heard James' story made him her choice as he has been ever since.

This time round Julie was able to raise £1,480 from her marathon efforts to help James, who lives in Loughton and attends High Beech Primary school.

She reached her total with the support of staff at the Everyone Active.

“I'd like to give them a really big thank you for all the money raised. They got really involved,” she said. “I was really low key but everyone was saying 'How's James? Are you still raising money?'

“It keeps me running. I'd do it anyway- I've run the New York marathon off my own bat, and I run all the time for Orion Harriers, in Chingford. I really enjoy it and it's great to raise money for such a good cause.”