Great North Run for Type1 Kidz

On the 6th May 2016 our lives changed forever. Our beautiful fun loving five year old daughter Darcey was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Having no family history or experience of this disease, the news came as a huge shock. We were given a few days training in hospital, issued with a cupboards worth of medical supplies and finally allowed home. 3 years on we still mourn the carefree life we had, but Darcey’s resilience and positive approach to all she goes through is an inspiration. 
I wanted to do something, I wanted to know what causes this cruel condition and I wanted to play a part in finding a cure. So a few years ago I took up running for the first time in my life, so I could complete the Great North Run, fundraise and help to make a difference. 
It has been tough going, but I’m doing it again for Type 1 Kidz. We found out about Type 1 Kidz at the hospital on discharge from diagnosis. My wife Elizabeth (then 30’weeks pregnant) went along 3 weeks later and has been going monthly ever since. 
The group is a safe space where Darcey doesn’t feel like the odd one out. She sees role models and other children talking about their diabetes, it really helps her understanding. . We’ve had the opportunity to experience some great activities and family days out and we’ve learnt so much. Not just from the visiting diabetes specialists, but from other families on the same journey as us. This cannot be underestimated. It’s a steep learning curve, but being able to share that with others, ahead of you or more recently diagnosed is so valuable. 
Elizabeth is open about feeling that she wouldn’t have gotten though the past 3 years without the support we’ve found and the friends we’ve made through Type 1 Kidz. We’ll be forever grateful to them and I would love to give back by raising as much as I can for them. Type 1 Kidz is facilitated by Investing in Children and is reliant on funding. 

Any donation would be gratefully  received!