Benny Bonsu, 30, from London, is running the Bupa Great North Run for Diabetes UK after she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in March 2012.  As a fit and active person, the diagnosis was a shock: “My mother has Type 2 diabetes, so I knew I had an increased risk of developing the condition.  Although I knew I had all the symptoms - had been feeling weak, tired and thirsty, as well as urinating a lot - it was still hard to hear I had Type 2 diabetes.  Since my diagnosis, my family have been very supportive, with my mum in particular helping me to change my diet to one that’s a bit more balanced, because before my diagnosis my favourite snacks were sugary foods, crisps and fruits.

 

“For me, running is a fantastic way to keep fit, as well as help maintain my blood sugar levels.  The Bupa Great North Run will be my first half marathon, and I can’t think of any charity better than Diabetes UK to do it with.  Through my mother’s experience, I know first hand how serious diabetes can be.  Her diagnosis in 2006 came following hospital admittance for a brain haemorrhage, which could have been accelerated because of her undiagnosed diabetes.  Thankfully, she’s much better now and manages her diabetes incredibly well.  I want to try to raise awareness of the condition and ensure that people take all the symptoms seriously.  Importantly, the money raised from the entire Bupa Great Run Series will go towards organising diabetes risk assessment roadshows.  These roadshows will help to find some of the 850,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know they do, as well as identify those people who are at risk of developing the condition.”

 

 I have a great group of friends, e.g. Cheryl Carr, Garance Chuzel, Zoe Marsden, Rakhee Tailor, Alice Dartnall, Robertson Lindsey, Rebecca R, Alecia Hylton who our helping me on my journey to raise the awareness of this cause and also to run with me. We will be doing the British 10K in July 2012 in London and then I will be doing the Great North Run in support of Diabetes UK.  I appreciate them and the people at DiabetesUK ... love you guys xx