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Mark was grateful to secure a place through his running club - The Sidmouth Running Club AKA 'The Mighty Greens'. He has decided to use the opportunity to raise some much needed funds for a small local charity - SnackPack (Exeter's Children's Diabetes Group). Mark kindly chose this charity after following Olivia's story from diagnosis, and also because his wife's aunt continues to live a long life with Type 1 Diabetes.  

Please note that this page is raising money in aid of Exeter SnackPack (Charity Number - 215199). All money received by Diabetes UK through this page will be passed onto them, and used by them locally to continue supporting families living with Type 1 Diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes is a serious chronic life-long condition in which the person living with it is no longer able to produce their own insulin, which would be life-threatening if left untreated. It is an autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure and its development is not preventable. It demands a very high level of complex care twenty four hours every day and requires the children to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels through finger pricks and to administer insulin via an injection or pump, every time they wish to eat.   

SnackPack organises outings and events throughout the year, which is an opportunity for the children to get together and share their experiences, concerns, successes and to have a good time together with other children in the same situation. They are also a lifeline for parents and other family members who may be struggling to adapt to the huge changes in their lifestyle caused by caring for a child with Type 1 Diabetes.  

SnackPack rely entirely on fundraised income and donations to remain open. The group act on behalf of Diabetes UK, a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 215199) and in Scotland (no. SC039136). Donations made to the group will fund group running costs, group activities or events which benefit local families, or can be put towards the core work of Diabetes UK including funding life changing research. 

Olivia's Story - In 2019 aged nine years old, Olivia became critically unwell with Diabetic Keto-Acidosis (DKA). A diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes followed. She spent a couple of days on the High Dependency Unit before being transferred to the Children's Ward at the RD&E Hospital. Her diagnosis was a huge shock to her family, but Olivia was an absolute star and adjusted to her new life instantly, testing her own blood sugars and injecting her insulin multiple times a day. SnackPack has been a lifeline for the family, meeting others and sharing experiences. Olivia now enjoys supporting younger children in the group. You can watch Olivia's story here:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTiAFA3I3g0 

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.