In the last few years, I've lost 2 people about whom I cared deeply to diabetes-related conditions: my university friend John Wheeler, who passed away at the tragically early age of 42, and my own dearly-loved and much-missed father. Both of them asked for donations to be made in their memory to Diabetes UK, so I'm doing my best to carry out their last wishes. John was a proud Geordie whose young family still lives on Tyneside so, together with mutual friends, I did the Great North Run in 2014 and we were very happy to raise over £2000 for the cause. This year I want to remember John again but also to recognise my father's equally-proud Yorkshire roots. So my aim is to do the Great North Run once more but, this time, follow it up with the Yorkshire Marathon, my first attempt to run 26 miles. Please help me turn all the blood, sweat, tears, blisters, muscle cramps, exhaustion and expletives into cash to help people suffering from diabetes. I'm asking you to do this so that others might avoid the grief and loss that I've felt myself and seen inflict untold pain amongst my friends and family. Thank-you so much for any contribution you can make.

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