I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 9 years old . I was extremely ill when a doctor told my nurse Mum that I was grossly underweight and to take me home and feed me up! Luckily she didn't listen and later in Yorkhill Children's Hospital a huge team of doctors and nurses spent hours fighting for my life. I've spent the 35 years since battling daily with this constantly changing, unpredictable condition (I refuse to call it a disease).

I've worked with Diabetes UK since I was 17 years old, on care support events. Days, weekends and up to two weeks long holidays supporting families and children with diabetes. These care events have reduced in number and size due to financial constraints yet what these events gives the families, their children and me is invaluable. Support. Advice. Understanding. Realising it isn't just me. Fun.

So I'm raising money for Diabetes UK to continue their research into a cure and to help with their care events. I am getting on a bit in years so this is a HUGE challenge for me. Not only will I need to train hard, I'll be working full time, looking after my crazy kids and renovating my house whilst volunteering as a cub leader and school governor. This will be my toughest challenge to date (though abseiling The Hilton in Glasgow comes pretty close!).

Not only will I be running the London Marathon but just a few weeks before this, I’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon and then in September the Great North Run. Nothing like piling the pressure on myself!

I'd appreciate if you could spare a £1 or two. Every little helps and will be incredibly appreciated especially given the squeeze we are all feeling just now.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.