2024 is the year I have decided to attempt the Great North Run.

1 year ago I received the worst phone call of my life and life has never been the same since. My Mam had unexpectedly passed away. Not only have I lost a Mam but also my life long best friend.

In my Mams late teens she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which changed her life forever. Throughout her life she had many complications due this disease but always overcome them with a smile on her face.

As I grew up I had to be education on diabetes and learn the signs to look out for to ensure my Mams blood sugars were stable.

Over the years my Mam encountered numerous hypos, life threatening hospital stays, eye sight deterioration and many other side effects of this disease. Throughout all of this my Mam never gave up and was determined it would not beat her.

Sadly on the 26th June 2023 my Mam fell asleep for the last time due to Diabetes.

After processing the initial shock and devastation I turned to running as my therapy. Every time I want to give up I remind myself that my Mam never did and what an inspiration she is.

I am hoping to make my Mam proud by completing the Great North Run and raising as much money as possible for Diabetes UK. Every 2 minutes a person is diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, my funds raised will go towards research and supporting people living with diabetes.

Thank you for reading my story and see you all at the finish line.

Beth xx