My name is Graeme Wood. I am planning to run the Isle of Wight marathon on 14th October 2018 in aid of a fantastic cause called ChILD (Children on the Island Living with Diabetes). This self help group, aided by fundraising, allows island children with diabetes to attend locally arranged activities/events. They offer a network of support and information for families and those involved in the care and management of the diabetic children from across the Island.
In January 2018, my 4yr old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which turned our lives upside down almost over night! Having to adjust and learn how to cope and manage this condition has been a task, though we, my wife and I, feel we have generally adapted to it well so far. It has been a huge change for our daughter to contend with and she has done so, so well.
Since Grace's diagnosis we have been lucky enough to attend one of the activity days put on by ChILD. Grace got to meet many other children who are in her position and she was able to see that she is not alone in her condition, as so many children with diabetes do feel! We also found this day invaluable. As you can imagine, these events are not cheap and there are a lot of children living with this condition that deserve to experience the everyday things others do. It may sound silly but the everyday things that most take for granted can become a logistical nightmare when carb ratios, insulin, physical activity and temperatures are added to the mix. These events also allow the parents/carers a chance to mix, talk and share ideas and experiences with others in the same situation, along with the medical staff from St Mary's hospital who take the time to run and organise these days. Without charitable fundraising these events would not be able to happen.
Thank you for reading my statement and I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful group, every little helps, so any donation, regardless of amount, is greatly appreciated.