A DEDICATED dad has run one of the world's toughest road races to raise cash for his son's school.

Chris Dunn completed the New York Ultra Marathon –nearly 40 gruelling miles – for Howford special needs school in Crookston, Glasgow.

He raised more than £11,000 to build a sensory room in the school – and it was opened by Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross.

Chris, whose son Fiachra, 7, attends the school, said: "Howford is a great school and Fiachra is happy there.

"At the last school open day my wife and I asked what the school needed that would really make a difference to pupils and the teachers said a sensory room.

"So I decided I would take on the ultra marathon and ask everyone I know to sponsor me. People were very generous."

But as well as being overwhelmed by donations from friends and family, Chris was amazed to receive an email from singer Ricky.

Both men's children attend the same school and Ricky had heard of Chris's marathon attempt. Deacon Blue release a Christmas charity single each year and decided to donate the latest proceeds to Howford.

Chris, 46, runs marathons while he is overseas on business but this was his first ultra marathon challenge.

He added: "I work for Marriott Hotels in HR and am often away for work so I run marathons while I'm abroad to keep occupied.

"You can't prepare for running for seven hours – you just have to prepare for a normal marathon and then keep on going. It was tough but it was worth it."

The cash raised has paid for equipment that will aid children on the autistic spectrum at Howford, where there is a school roll of 82.

The room now has a bubble tube, vibrating chairs, a sound system and projectors as well as weighted blankets.

Additional cash was used to buy iPads for the school.

Head teacher Karen Keith said: "About 60% of pupils are on the autistic spectrum and have difficulty with being hypersensitive or hyposensitive.

"The new sensory room lets us work one-on-one with pupils to give them the chance to try new experiences with light, sound and touch in a really soothing, calming environment. It's great for small groups, too.

"It means a lot for the pupils to have this facility."

Stephen Curran, executive member for education and young people, said: "This is an amazing amount to raise and children for many years will benefit."

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk