When I was 13 years old I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I had seen the impact this disease has on the daily life of sufferers. My Dad is also diabetic, and has experienced many life changing side effects because of his Diabetes.

To this day I remember telling my Mum "I don't want to be Diabetic", but unfortunately, Type 1 Diabetes is not a choice or a result of lifestyle. It is incurable (at present), and is something that impacts your life in every way.

What makes diabetes so different from other illnesses is how independently you have to deal with it. It is up to you to manage the condition, and it takes a lot of thought, knowledge and awareness to get it right. You must consider your meals in advance (what you will eat and when you will eat it) plus your activities for the day (different amounts of insulin are required for busy/quiet days, days when you are ill or days when you are stressed). Training for the marathon is a real challenge. On top of the physical and mental challenges that are experienced by all runners, with Diabetes you must prepare before the run, keep on top of it whilst running, and also be aware of the effects it could be having on you over the following 24 hours! And every day could be different!

Diabetes also affects your family and friends. Although mine have often been amused by my strange antics when I've been 'low' (e.g. seeing me trying to wrestle a tree or burying cartons of milk in the garden!), but it can also be difficult, frustrating and scary for them to witness a 'hypo' or see me suffering with Ketones.

Medication and technology has really improved recently (I get my insulin through a pump, which I am connected to 24/7). I am not so alone anymore, as I can electronically send blood sugar results and readings from my pump straight across to the diabetic team at Addenbrookes Hospital for advice. But this is not available for everyone. Many people still have to inject with insulin many times a day.

By raising money for Diabetes UK I want to support them in reassuring sufferers that they're not alone. I want diabetes UK to be able to continue their research for a cure, so that I don't have to dread the day when the terrible disease might be passed on to my children.

I hope you also see this as a worthy cause and feel able to sponsor me to show your support for my run. I know that it will really help on the day to know that I've raised lots of money - wish me luck!!

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