Hi 

I am taking part in the Diabetes UK 10 mile, London Bridges Challenge on the 29th September 2019 and am seeking your support for a very special goal - to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

In April 2019 following an NHS health check I found out that I am at high risk of becoming Type 2 diabetic, my HbA1c level puts me in the pre-diabetic range.  This led me to find out all about Type 2 diabetes, the causes and impacts on my health.

The NHS England website informs that there are around 22,000 people with diabetes who die early every year.

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

There are currently 3.4 million people with Type 2 diabetes in England with around 200,000 new diagnoses every year.  While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and is not linked to lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes.

I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to sign up to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) in my area.  This is a 9 month behaviour change programme for people identified as high risk and gives individuals the information and tools to become a healthier you.  The NHS DPP is a joint commitment from NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.

I have been on the programme for 8 weeks so far and have learnt so much already.  There are things I can do to prevent me from becoming diabetic and it relates to changing my lifestyle and is within my gift to do it.  I have already begun making positive changes.  I have set goals to become a healthier person e.g. getting more exercise, losing weight, smaller plates and making better food choices.  I have lost 13 lbs to date.  

Putting all these steps in place will help me to achieve my ultimate goal which is to take myself out of the high risk category.  This is not just a short term goal this is a life time goal!

I also work for the NHS so I am passionate about helping people to live their best lives, remain healthy where possible and receive good care when in need.  

With my own personal goal of becoming healthier and my ambition to raise awareness and help others in preventing themselves from becoming Type 2 diabetic, I signed up to this challenge.  

The London Bridges Challenge starts in Battersea Park and finishes in Potters Fields Park, overlooking the famous Tower Bridge.  I will walk 10 miles, cross 12 of London's finest bridges and join the fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.

I'm asking you to help support my fundraising efforts with a donation.  Your gift will help make a difference in the lives of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Any amount, great or small will help Diabetes UK to understand the causes of diabetes, enable people to prevent or manage their condition, and eventually find a cure.  With our help they can provide information, support and services to the 4.7 million people in the UK living with diabetes.

Many thanks,

Jennie x