MARATHON man Malcolm Jones has put his best foot forward to raise money for a Bury family living under the threat of deportation.

The social worker from Bolton raised £200 by running the London Marathon after hearing about the plight of the Iqbal family from Alfred Street, Bury.

Mr Iqbal and his family settled in England six years ago after fleeing their homeland. He now runs his own successful business and his children, who only speak English, go to school in Bury.

But last year he and his family received a letter from the Home Office saying they must pack up and leave the country.

Mr Jones, of Heaton, decided to tackle the marathon for the second time after hearing about Mr Iqbal through the union UNISON.

He said: "A lot of people at the marathon were very interested and wanted to know more about the campaign.

"I got a lot of support from people I work with at Prestwich Hospital and UNISON donated £100.

"It is quite ridiculous that people like the Iqbals, who give something to the community and are part of the community, are being asked to go."

Bury Council has given its backing to a campaign to keep the Iqbal family in England and all money raised will help towards the campaign's administration fees.

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