A BOY with diabetes who wears roller skates around the house he is embarking on a roller-marathon to help fight the disease.

William Weir, eight, who attends Heathlands School in West Bergholt, wants to become the youngest person ever to complete the feat.

The idea came about when, despite his enthusiasm, William realised he was too young to join his uncle Dr William Tayler, 30, in the London Marathon.

Instead, with the help of Rollerworld Colchester, he will attempt to skate 26.2 miles - or 300 laps - on April, 6, raising money for type 1 diabetes charity JDRF.

William was diagnosed with the illness three years ago and now requires an insulin pump, which delivers small amounts into his bloodstream every few minutes.

Since then he has become a regular collaborator with the charity and has given speeches, presentations and accepted cheques on their behalf.

In 2013, he raised almost £14,000 for JDRF when he cycled 10 miles shortly after his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes.

William’s skating obsession started when he had a roller-skating party for his seventh birthday.

Since then he has not stopped practicing.

He said: “I am doing my grade six and then I have got to get up to nine.

“After nine you can start teaching or competitions.

“When I am older I would like to be a doctor and I want to find the cure for type 1 diabetes.

“My Mum is hoping that the research that JDRF is funding will find the cure before then.”

William will not be completely alone in attempting the skating marathon. His sister Charlotte, who is six, will be riding half of the way with him.

His mum Ruth Weir said: “He wears his skates around the house. Roller-skating he will do at any moment of the day.

“We have got friends and family going to watch, there will be people cheering him on.”

Mrs Weir has contacted the Guinness Book of World Records to see if William’s achievement can be recognised as the youngest ever person to complete a roller marathon.

To sponsor William or his uncle visit justgiving.com/William-Tayler