This year my dad passed away.

Never in a million years would I have expected it. Seeing him go from a sporty, healthy strong dad to the shadow of a man before my eyes was something I'd never wish upon anyone.

Watching his decline over the past two years, due to what began as a battle with type 1 diabetes, has been the hardest thing. The impact it had on his mental health and wellbeing was the most unexpected aspect. Coming to terms with him passing is the worst part.

However the best decision I ever made was to be by his side through all the ups and downs, till the very end.

Now I want to do one more thing for him. On 1st September, myself and Grant, my partner, will be taking part in the 25km Trekfest through the Peak District in memory of my dad and raising money for Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation.

Any donations/sponsorship you can spare, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

I was naive to the devastating consequences that diabetes can have when not treated correctly. Any funds that can improve treatments and any awareness around the nasty effects of diabetes that we can raise is knowledge & hope for the next person.

For further information around the charity Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation please see below and follow this link to their website: https://www.drwf.org.uk/

DRWF funds vital diabetes research to establish the causes; develop improved management and treatment options; and ultimately find a cure, we aim to ensure that people have access to the right information and support to develop a proactive self-care approach to successful self-management, to ensure that they are ’staying well until a cure is found....’