I am running the Brighton Marathon on 2nd April 2023 and have decided it will be my last. I’m running this one for Diabetes UK after being inspired and motivated by my friend Hannah. She’s been a Type 1 diabetic for 40 years after being diagnosed at the age of 9. She has always tried to live her life without her diabetes getting in the way. Over the years she developed more autoimmune conditions making her life more physically difficult, alongside increased hospital appointments and treatments. For much of her life Hannah had not put her diabetes control as a priority, always thinking things would be okay.

After a decline in general health and a family holiday to Mexico in 2019 a small wound on her right foot became infected which very quickly gave her sepsis and a chronic bone infection. Hannah subsequently spent over 3 months in hospital having had 8 operations along with several complications. She had her heel bone removed from her right foot and lived with a wound that took 18 months to heal. During this time, it was discussed with her clinical team as to whether she would need a lower leg amputation. This was avoided due to her specialist MDT team, their patience, care and expertise. After months of being so unwell, unable to walk and many setbacks along the way, Hannah has taken control of her diabetes with the support of her diabetes team and using the Libre system. For the first time she feels a bigger sense of control over her diabetes having spent her whole life being very sporadic with her levels of attention and care towards her condition.

Then in 2021 Hannah fell over and broke her left leg and ankle resulting in the need for further surgery. A year later she is still in a metal external fixator due to developing a rare charcot foot in her ankle. This ended up with her being unable to weight bare at all on her leg and a complete ankle collapse.In September of 2021 Hannah has again developed a bone infection in her right foot, this needed her to have her big toe to be amputated. She has also since been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome which leaves her with acute Kidney issues. Hannah knows her diabetes is her main health priority and works hard everyday to keep her control as good as she can.

Hannah has been a lifelong member of Diabetes UK and as her friend seeing first-hand the struggles she has encountered in more recent years it has made me want to help the charity closest to her heart by fund raising. This charity is always funding new treatments as well as simply giving great advice.