Thank you for visiting this page and taking the time to read this.

When we decided to walk from Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) life was a bit different for both of us.

On June 22nd 2023 following a routine GP fit check I (Lisa) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This means that my pancreas has stopped producing insulin, an essential hormone which processes the sugars needed to fuel our organs and body. A bit of a shock at the grand age of 54.

The NHS support network kicked in and on 6th July 2023 I injected insulin for the first time, something which I will have to do everyday for life. I also learnt how to monitor my blood sugars using finger pricks. On August 1st I started to use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), this is the white disc you may have seen people wearing on their arm. This monitors my blood sugars and connects via Bluetooth to an app on my phone. Alarms sound if my sugars go too low (hypo) or too high (hyper), both of which can be life threatening. My medical support has been outstanding, Chet Valley GP and Elsie Bertram Diabetes Centre at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital both deserve a shout out.

We are very aware that 100 years ago a T1D diagnosis would have been terminal, with a life expectancy of less than 2 years. Since then medical advances in insulin therapy have saved millions of lives, including mine.

We all use google to look up ailments and this was a total minefield with lots of hearsay and misinformation. Fortunately, I was pointed towards the Diabetes UK website. This resource is now our go to for information, with learning zones, forums, help, contacts, recipes, and lots more. Additionally Diabetes UK conducts research into diabetes and campaign for policy changes to allow access to advances in diabetic treatments and technology. There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes but Diabetes UK are funding research to help find new treatments and a cure.

We will be walking from Lands End to John O’Groats raising money for Diabetes UK. We will start on St Georges day April 23rd, walk 1084 miles in 79 days to arrive at John O'Groats on Wednesday July 17th.

Marcus cycled LEJOG 10 years ago and is looking forward to revisiting the challenge on foot. Hopefully we are both physically fit enough. I am very aware that managing my blood sugars on this long distance walk will be a big learning curve.

We aim to:

1. Enjoy and complete LEJOG, taking it literally Step by Step

2. Raise money for Diabetes UK, who are fighting for a world where diabetes does no harm

3. Raise awareness of the importance of booking that overdue GP check

Please follow our progress on social media @stepbystepLEJOG, join us for a few steps or a cuppa. We are self funding the trip and plan to use our camper Chitty. Parking at our daily destination, travelling to the start and walking towards the camper each day. All encouragement, advice on routes, parking for Chitty, lifts and ideas always welcome.

Thank you so very much

Lisa and Marcus

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