In April 2026, I will be running the London Marathon not just for the challenge but for a cause that is deeply personal to me: Diabetes UK.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18. Every single day since has meant injections, constant blood sugar checks, and the daily balancing act of living with a chronic disease. I am running to raise awareness, improve support, and help fund the research that could lead to better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Diabetes has been part of my family for years: my grandmother, Sandra, had it, my sister, Charlotte, was diagnosed at just 9 years old, and her husband, Josh, also lives with type 1. I saw their challenges growing up, but you never fully understand until you have to face it yourself. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support from my family. Charlotte and Josh know exactly what I’m going through, my parents have always been there for the difficult moments, and I’ve managed to find Priya who is incredibly helpful, so much so she has created a “sweet draw” in case of a hypo. This support has made all the difference.

Thanks to Diabetes UK and the NHS, I now have technology that alerts me if my sugar levels drop dangerously low while I am sleeping. My grandma never had anything like that. I want future generations to have even better technology so no one has to worry about their sugars crashing during the night or while playing sport, for example.

Diabetes is more common and more serious than most people realise, it’s changing lives every single day:

• Over 5 million people in the UK live with diabetes. That’s like every single person in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, and Glasgow combined.

• Around 850,000 people have it but don’t yet know. Many will only find out after a medical emergency.

• Every week, diabetes leads to over 180 amputations, 700 strokes, and 500 heart attacks; each one a family whose life is turned upside down.

• Someone is diagnosed every two minutes. By the time you’ve finished reading this page, another person will have started their lifelong battle.

These aren’t just statistics; they are parents, children, friends, and colleagues. Research and support save lives, but only if they are funded.

If you can, please sponsor me and help make a real difference.