The head of a learning disabilities charity has taken on a marathon through the Antarctic ice to raise money.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon sees participants run two 21km laps of the Union glacier at the South Pole while braving temperatures between minus 15 and 35C as well as winds at 50km per hour.

Dr Beverley Jacobson too on the challenge in aid of Hendon-based charity Kisharon, raising over £80,000 towards a new supported living home for young people with learning disabilities.

Kisharon, of which Beverley is the CEO, supports children and adults with all kinds of learning disabilities, from the moderate to those with severe and multiple difficulties.

The supported living home would be designed to give young adults with learning disabilities a taste of independence.

It is based on the success Beverley has seen for her daughter Tayla, who moved into similar accommodation last year.

She said: “Anyone who knows my daughter and has seen how she has developed and matured over the last year appreciates how much independent living will mean to other young people like her and their families and is willing to support this venture.” 

Beverley was the fifth woman back with a finish time of 6 hours 43 minutes and the winner was Olympic marathon runner Gary Thornton.