A Suffolk woman, with support from her daughter, took part in the One Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK after her teenage son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
The event started on 1 July and finished on 30 September, inviting people to push themselves out of their comfort zone by taking one million steps over three months and getting sponsored for every stride.
Kerry Wilkinson and her daughter Abbie completed around 10,000 steps a day to reach their million.
Teaching assistant Kerry’s teenage son Alfie started to feel unwell in October 2018 and collapsed on the bathroom floor. He was rushed to the doctors and a blood test revealed he had very high levels of sugar in his blood.
Alfie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at hospital and he is now learning how to live with the condition and manage his food and insulin levels to try and keep his sugar levels as stable as possible.
Kerry (pictured with Alfie) said: “It was such a shock to us and I feel so guilty that I didn’t recognise his symptoms and act sooner. Every day is different and we are working hard with amazing support from the diabetes team.
“I would do anything to find a cure and I’m really happy to have taken part in this challenge to support Diabetes UK. We do have other members of our family who live with Type 1 diabetes.
“More people need to be aware of the signs and symptoms and how dangerous it can be. Our lives will never be the same again, but I will do all I can to fundraise and fight for a cure to help my son and all the other people across the world living with the condition.”
