Welcome to my London Landmarks Half Marathon profile page for Diabetes UK.

We are running for Diabetes UK as Diabetes has affected our family, and only 100 years ago both Amanda and Dad would have died without the discovery of insulin and the work that was done to make that accessible for those who need it. Diabetes UK have worked over the years to fund research, advocate and provide information and resources around Diabetes.

Amanda:

I am running to improve my health, prove to myself that my health conditions don't have to hold me back, and to raise money for Diabetes UK and the great work that they do.

In 2018 I had some unexpected Pulmonary Embolisms (blood clots in my lungs)and was later diagnosed with Antiphospholid Syndrome, which basically means my blood clots too much. That has led to a number of years that have been a battle with my health, mainly having trouble with fatigue, brain fog, joint pain and other random symptoms. For a while I couldn't walk further than a couple of hundred meters without having to stop.

In April 2020 I also developed Type 1 Diabetes, which has had a further impact on my health. In November 2021 I received NHS funding for an Insulin Pump (one of the things Diabetes UK have been advocating for people with Type 1 Diabetes to have access to), and that along with the closed loop technology has been the thing that has had the biggest positive impact on my health yet. I now actually feel 'well' for the first time in a long time! In June 2024 I gradually started running, and over the summer built up to be able to run 5K by Sept 2024.

So why not attempt to run a half marathon in April 2025 and prove to myself that I can pace myself, slowly building up my fitness so that my health conditions don't have to hold me back?!

Ed:

I’m running because I want the challenge and to raise money for a great cause. Several people close to me have diabetes so I want to support this good cause.

Did you know someone is diagnosed with diabetes every two minutes? As many as 4.9 million people are living with diabetes in the UK right now. So, I'm running towards a healthier me, and a better future for people living with diabetes. Support my challenge by hitting the donate button on my profile page.