Many of you know that I have been living with type 1 diabetes since April 19, 1991. This year - 2011 - marks my 20th diaversary. As I was diagnosed at the age of 2, I don't remember a life without it. However, with the research JDRF is funding, I am really looking forward to a life without it.

 

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition that currently has no cure. Insulin is a treatment - and something I have delivered to me 24/7 by an insulin pump. Before switching to a pump, I calculated I had done almost 20,000 injections. Everyday, I have to carefully balance insulin, food, exercise, stress, temperature, illness etc - all of these factors impact my blood glucose. To keep myself safe from future complications such as blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation, I am constantly striving to keep myself in a 'safe' range of blood glucose. (note: this is impossible to do all the time).

 

I'm also a wuss. Who is afraid of heights. Which is why I figure if I'm going to do something that will get people to put their hands in their pockets and donate to JDRF, I should definitely, absolutely throw myself out of a plane. (note: I will be attached to someone and I am reassured a parachute will appear at some point). I'll be doing it on September 23rd at Sibson Airfield - weather dependent (as in, I'll do it on another date if the weather isn't good on the 23rd).

 

So please - the one thing I want more than anything in the world is a cure for this stupid condition. Help get JDRF that one step further and sponsor me?

JDRF are the world's largest charitable funders of research into type 1 diabetes, looking at the treatment, prevention and ultimately the cure for the condition. http://www.jdrf.org.uk/

 

I have paid for the skydive myself, so all the money you donate will go directly to JDRF. Thankyou :)

 

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.