Thanks for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page.

Although this is Paul's page - and Paul is the crazy fool undertaking the London Marathon - he has asked me, Melissa, his wife, to help him write his story. As much as I tried to put myself in his shoes, and write about his daily struggles with T1D; I just couldn't. It's too complicated. It's unimaginable. I am both truly grateful that I personally don't experience such a disease, and deeply saddened that such a caring, hardworking, wonderful man as Paul, does.

For Paul, running the London Marathon for Diabetes UK means the world. Not only is he raising money for a charity that does amazing things to support people living with the monstrous disease that he battles every day; but he is proving his own physical and mental strength in not allowing diabetes to hold him back. Anyone living with T1D is an inspiration to me; let alone undertaking such an epic challenge with all the frills that accompany T1D.

I know that the run on the day will be a beast to undertake, but I'm OK with that. There will be plenty of support there for Paul on the day - medical and emotional. He will be in good hands. My anxiety lies in the training. The miles and miles of solo running Paul will undertake to prepare for the big day. Exercise brings so many complications to the daily routine of a T1D. What are his sugar levels like at the beginning of the session? What has he eaten? What insulin has already been injected? Has he had any highs or lows over the past 24-48hours? Has he packed enough sugars/carbs to see him through the run? What happens if his infusion gets disconnected, or his pump fails whilst he is running? What if his sugars drop really low, and he can't help himself...?

Then there is the after effect of exercise. This can come up to 12hours after the exercise where a drop in adrenaline can cause blood sugar levels to drop. Or it might not. Who knows?

All I know is that Paul is going to suffer to train for and complete this marathon. Not just through physical endurance, but through the burdens on his every day life caused by his condition; headaches, tiredness, extreme thirst and hunger, irritability, sweating and shaking, lack of concentration - to name a few!

For me, the most evil part of T1D is the loneliness. Although there is so much hard work done by charities/medical professionals to offer support- when it comes down it - there is no one but you who can manage the carb counting, the insulin adjustments, set changes etc. on a daily basis. But I very much doubt that even Pythagoras would be able predict the cause and effect of every action for a T1D!

I could go on and on to talk about the horridness of the condition. What I need is to ask for your support by donating to Paul's Page to help him reach his target and make this all worthwhile. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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.