Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page where I am supporting Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity-find out more below for the reasons why you should donate to this incredible charity!

In my role as a Headteacher, I am very lucky and fortunate to work with incredibly fantastic children and through this role, I am so privileged  to know a child and family who not only live day in and day out with the realities of this condition but have taught me so much about Hyperinsulinism and the effects it can have. This rare condition affects such small numbers of newborn babies and causes individuals to have abnormally high levels of insulin, which is a hormone that helps control and regulate blood sugar levels. People with this condition have very frequent, and sudden episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and whilst young, children are unable to remedy any of the necessary steps needed to keep them healthy and safe meaning that they need constant adult supervision. Without this, the unthinkable could happen and the speed in which support is needed to be given to rectify situations means this condition is one that cannot be left alone!

18 months ago, I suffered my own health issues, which resulted in me being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (the actual opposite of HI-my body stopped making insulin)-to remedy this, I overhauled my diet, changed my lifestyle and started running. Running for me is now a mental and physical release that has allowed me to achieve beyond anything I ever thought I could. Running the Lincoln 10k (which is my first ever event) in support of this charity is something I am delighted to be able to do (anyone who knows me will tell you that 18 months ago, the thought of me running would be the source of many jokes). But here I am, running up to 30 miles per week and enjoying all of the benefits that it brings to the mind, body and soul! 

Whilst all charities rely on our support-smaller, lesser known charities, supporting rare and virtually unheard of conditions need championing and I want to bang a drum loudly for the incredible work this charity does to support children and young people coping with the effects of a condition that does not allow you to make the changes I have done-instead there is a need to rely on advances in technology and medical research to help live with and develop the next steps needed to live and lead a full, happy and healthy life! 

The child and family I know with this condition are the biggest rays of sunshine-their boundless positivity and endless optimism are contagious and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause who I know have been on hand to provide support throughout the good times as well as the scary times and will continue to do so for whoever needs it-if you can, no matter how small, please donate via the link on this page to help this charity and listed below are the ways in which your money will help!

Why donate to support the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity?

• Support conferences that families can attend
  
  
• subsidise conferences so they are open to all
  
  
• bring together parents, children, teenagers for social events where they can feel normal and no-one will stare when testing their blood sugars or giving an injection or passing a feed or medicine through an NG tube.There is nothing more beneficial than meeting others who live with the same condition!
  
  
• Raise awareness :  there needs to be more awareness at all levels, within families, friends, medical profession including GP’s, health visitors etc.
  
  
• Support world class research into Hyperinsulinism

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Whether you have donated or not, you now know more about Hyperinsulinism than you did 2 minutes ago and if you have donated-it means the world to me and I will run extra fast knowing I have your support!! 

Thanks so much,

Sam Eden

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.