ROSEBANK School and the Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) are set to benefit from a dad's epic footrace.

Tom Makin-Bell, 43, took on the Snowdonia Trail Marathon – a 27.2-mile course including 5,500ft of ascent – earlier in July, and is hoping to raise £1,000 for his efforts.

Tom, an autism assemblies worker at ChAPS, took up running three years ago as a respite activity from his role as carer for his seven-year-old son who attends Rosebank in Barnton.

The money will be shared between the school Friends group and the charity, to support a wide range of support activities for autistic children and families in the area.

“This was certainly my biggest challenge to date,” Tom said.

“When I first started running, I never expected that I’d be competing in such demanding events as this.

“It was harder than I imagined due to the ascents, changes of terrain, rocky surfaces and the humidity which was very high.

“But my goal was to get around before the ‘cut-off times’ so I’m happy with that.

“I weighed over 17 stone at the age of 40, so achieving this at age 43 feels like a big achievement.”

Jo Garner, ChAPS managing director, said: “Tom’s achievement here is two-fold in that he’s trained for and completed a very demanding event.

“But also, that training takes place around Tom’s role as the main carer for his son, and his work both here at ChAPS and at other local charities, so this challenge has involved a huge commitment.”

Lucy Lee, head of Rosebank School, added: “The Friends of Rosebank is vital in helping to raise the money and resources which allow us to ensure that our children can participate in the extra-curricular activities which they and their families often find it so difficult to access for so many reasons.

“This is a fantastic achievement from Tom and a brilliant example for our kids.”

You can follow Tom's fundraiser here.