Thanks for visiting my fundraising page, a repeated excusion for many of you and for that I am very grateful! Yes I truely have crossed into the 'madness' zone: completing my first Marathon in London 2008, I continued training for the Dublin Marathon, which I completed in 4:08 October 2008 (a PB)! In the same year I have also managed to clock up three 10k races and 2 half-marathons!! So why face into a new year again trudging the roads in all weather, blisters, aches, juggling work and family(my long-suffering husband helping with the 4 children), adjusting and readjusting a regime of insulin injections, repeated blood glucose monitoring, constant adjustments to diet. After all , having Type 1 Diabetes,  no  one  even  suggests  that  I  undertake  such  challenges!

However, for any of you who have read my last fundraising page and indeed all  who know me will understand having Diabetes is the very thing that drives me both personally and in my work as a  Diabetes Specialist Dietitian. So, its not a question of WHY but rather WHY NOT? Its  about what  I CAN DO! What better way can I show my 4 children that life is for living and that opportunties are to be embraced? What better way to show those young people terrified by a new diagnosis with Diabetes that dreams can still be  realised and the only real compromise is diligence? Planning , effort and sustained motivation win every time. Yes,  it  can  be  hard and yes, more effort is required but the challenge that Diabetes presents makes success  all  the  sweeter -the reward greater.

I don't know how London will go for me in 2009. I found it tough going last time. I do know however that I can do it. My ultimate goal is to do a sub-4hr Marathon before the end of 2009!  Brief update: Completed Omagh Half Marathon on 21st March in 1hr 50min (forget the seconds) so I'm on my way!!?

These credit-crunching times make it difficult to ask for donations, but the future will be all the brighter for it. Diabetes UK can continue to support people with diabetes and in so doing help them towards self-management, which may result in fewer hospital admissions, a reduction in complications of diabetes and subsequently a better quality of life for all. At present the NHS  spends  £1 million  PER HOUR (!) on Diabetes. If  more  people  had  the  confidence and tools to manage  their condition,  less  spending would be required by the NHS on Diabetes, so the entire population would benefit!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Diabetes UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!