‘Sam’s death came as such a shock… she had her whole life ahead of her.’
Along with five other members of her family, Tania, decided to enter the Bupa Great North Run with her son Scott, to raise funds for Diabetes UK after the devastating loss of her daughter Sam, twin sister to Scott.
Sam died as a result of Type 1 diabetes complications in November 2009. Sam was just 19 years old.
Family members Aunt Shiree Ciani, 54, Uncle John Soanes, 42, and cousin Kirsty Soanes, 27, will join Tania and Scott in the 13-mile slog, and younger cousins, Courtney, 14 and Kayley Soanes, 16, will take part in the Junior Run.
Sam became very ill in November 2009 after developing Type 1 diabetes. After being rushed to hospital Sam had a pulmonary embolism – a blockage of the main artery of the lung - as a result of the diabetes not being diagnosed and treated in time.
Sadly, the embolism led to a heart attack which left Sam in a coma for three days before she passed away.
“Sam’s death came as such a shock - she was a healthy vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her”, said Sam’s mum Tania.
“She dreamt of being a police officer, and shortly before she died had been for an interview for a Community Support Officer. Just a fortnight after her tragic death, I found out she had been successful in her application.”
Since Sam’s death, Tania and family now hope to save the lives of other young people by raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes and the condition’s symptoms. A ‘Samantha Sinclair Tribute Fund’ has been set up by the family; donations can be made by contacting the Diabetes UK Supporter Development Team on 020 7424 1849.
“In Type 1 diabetes the signs and symptoms will usually develop quickly, usually over a few weeks and include increased thirst, urinating all the time (especially at night), extreme tiredness, weight loss and blurred vision”, said Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling.
“If anyone has any of these symptoms they should seek medical help immediately as early diagnosis is crucial in reducing the risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal”, she added.
Lisa Stafford, Regional Fundraising Officer for Diabetes UK, said: “The united determination of Tania and her family is inspirational. Together the family hope to raise around £2,500 for Diabetes UK which will help us help the 30,000 or so people with diabetes in York and North Yorkshire.
“If you have been moved by Sam’s story, and are inspired to join the fight against diabetes and would like to take part in Bupa Great North Run contact us to join our team. Running for us means we can continue to fund vital research and improve the lives of people living with diabetes.”