An Atherstone man will be taking on Run26, a marathon-in-a-month challenge, for Diabetes UK after been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in May this year.
The event pushes people to conquer the distance of 26.2 miles over the 31 days of October, in their local area, in their own time.
Participants decide where and when they run. This could be in the street, a park, or complete the full marathon in their front room or the gym.
Spencer Haywood, 52, (pictured) is taking part because he says when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes he felt angry, shocked and bewildered and didn't know where to turn.
He has been training hard for the event and said: “When I was diagnosed with Type 2 back in May this year I weighed 102kgs and couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without pausing for breath. Through Diabetes UK’s website and forum. I quickly discovered the steps I needed to take to get my health back on track. I completely changed my diet to a low carb, healthy fresh food diet.
“I also went out and bought some second hand gym equipment to start me off on a more active lifestyle. When this run challenge came up I jumped at the chance to take part so I could push my fitness even further while raising much needed funds.
“I am happy to say at my last diabetes review back in September, my bloods are now normal and I weighed in at 74kgs with a healthy BMI.
“The nurse has now taken me off all my medication and hopefully when I go for my next review I will have put my diabetes into remission.”
Julie Wood, Diabetes UK Midlands Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re really grateful to Spencer for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.
“Run26 is perfect if you want to stay healthy and feel good thanks to the improved mood that comes with exercise. You can take on the challenge alone, or better still, get a running buddy. However you run, the money you raise is vital in the fight against diabetes.”
To sponsor Spencer visit https://run26.diabetes.org.uk/pages/spencer
