I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 13 years now (since I was 14) and when I was diagnosed my first question to the doctors was "can I still play cricket?”. At the time it was my dream to play professional cricket and I was desperately looking for role models who also had Type 1 Diabetes after my diagnosis. I was reassured by the doctor that Wasim Akram, a famous Pakistani fast bowler, also had Type 1 Diabetes and he was one of the best in the world. I have been lucky enough to fulfil my dream of playing professional cricket and representing my country and I truly believe seeing other people overcome adversity can inspire and give hope to others also living with similar conditions - it certainly helped me when I was first diagnosed.

 

Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune condition that affects around 400,000 people in the UK. It occurs when through no fault of their own when the pancreas stops producing insulin which then has to be administered manually through injections or a pump (whenever carbohydrates are consumed) and blood glucose levels have to be carefully monitored to avoid dangerously high or low glucose levels. Naturally this adds an extra level of difficultly to completing any kind of endurance event.

 

My reasons for completing this challenge are two fold; firstly I want to prove to others living with Type 1 Diabetes, and to myself, that although it takes extra management, time and attention - anything can be achieved with the condition. Secondly, to help raise money to fund vital research into finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and to help those currently living with the condition.

 

I will be adding a link to follow my progress on strava to my donation page closer to the time. 

 

Any donations you can give are HUGELY appreciated and I’m so grateful for your support!