On the 2nd October, I will be running my first marathon for Diabetes UK in loving memory of my father.

I have seen the devastation this disease can cause. As a child in 1988 I saw my father suffer a major stroke, which left him disabled for the remainder of his life. My dad went on to suffer two further strokes. My dad also had kidney failure and required Dialysis. These are all complications of diabetes. Only now I can begin to comprehend the mental impact it would have had on him, being house bound, unable work, socialise with friends and families. I have seen the impact this had on the family, we all had to grow up before age to support the family. I have seen the impact it had when the main breadwinner was left never be able to work again.

These experiences have shaped and left a profound impact on my life. So when the opportunity came up to help this charity, I seized on it. I had opportunities to run for other charities. But this means a lot more to me.

Advances in technology and support has come a long way since the 1980s because of charities like Diabetes UK.  So please donate and share.