Alex

Hi there!

I am competing in a 10km tough mudder event in September. Having been diabetic for over 3 years now, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a charity that is close to my heart. I have always been keen on exercise, and whilst having diabetes has made that more challenging, I was determined to never let it stop me from having a good time. Not only will I be raising money for the charity, but hopefully also raising awareness of the hurdles that diabetics can face, especially competing in an event such as this. 

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects tens of thousands of people nationally, and often strikes in childhood. There is no cure for it, and you are given medication for life. It can present many day to day challenges, sleepless nights and further medical complications, and all the research that this foundation does is aimed at improving the lives of diabetics, and hopefully finding a cure one day. 

Whilst competing in this event will require extra planning so that I can still monitor my blood sugar and take any sugar if necessary, I will not let it hinder my fun. I have started a training programme with my personal trainer so that I can prepare for the challenge, to make it as easy on my blood sugar as possible. I will be racing with my close friend, Tyler, who has extensive practice in assisting me during my occasional struggles.