A mum is making a marathon effort to raise funds for a Workington respite centre which she describes as "a lifeline" for her family.

The Elms is run by West House and offers residential respite care to children and young people.

Jack Nolan, 14, has autism, ADHD and severe learning difficulties and has been attending twice monthly for six years.

His mum, Joanne, an assistant practitioner at the West Cumberland Hospital, said: "Jack is non verbal and has quite complex needs.

"The Elms is a lifeline, without it I do not know what we would do.

"He started there when he was seven or eight and really enjoys going. It's a bit of respite - for him and us."

Joanne and her husband, John, live in Egremont. Jack, who was diagnosed with autism aged three, attends Mayfield School, in Whitehaven.

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/23525926.cockermouth-rotary-shows-towns-gratitude-true-heroes/

"The Elms gives us the much-needed break we all need," said Joanne.

"We would struggle without the quality of service they provide. All the staff that work there are truly amazing and worth their weight in gold.

"We can go away for a night and know Jack is in safe hands."

He enjoys the experience.

"He likes to see his friends. In the summer they go for walks and enjoy activities, such as canoeing and ghyll scrambling," said Joanne.

The money she raises will go towards games and days out.

Joanne ran a half marathon in Liverpool last year but has never run a marathon.

She was signed up to take part in the first Rob Burrows Marathon in Leeds at the weekend but Jack was poorly and she had to pull out at the last minute.

She is planning to do the distance soon.

"The training went really well and I'm looking forward to completing the marathon," said Joanne.

"I'm so grateful for any donations. It will all be spent on Jack's pals at the Elms - days out, ice cream and lots of fun."

To sponsor Joanne, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joanne-nolan.