First-time runner Steph Smith took on the Cardiff 10K to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
29-year-old Steph, from Cardiff, only started running in April 2017, attending a local running club’s Couch to 5K program. After months of training she ran the Cardiff 10K with her sister Olivia, 23, on 3 September.
She chose to take on the challenge to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 and to fundraise for Diabetes UK.
Steph was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 16 after having felt unwell for several months. By the time she was diagnosed, she was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention.
A personal challenge
Steph said: “Taking up running has been a personal challenge. I have actually really enjoyed the training and have been running three times a week to prepare for the big run.
“I’m so excited to raise funds for Diabetes UK. They’re a fantastic charity that offer incredible support and advice to people living with diabetes.”
Our Know Type 1 campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, encouraging people to look out for the 4 Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner.
Steph said: “Looking back to when I was diagnosed, I had all of the 4Ts. I was tired, thirsty, had lost weight and kept needing to go to the toilet. Now I want to raise awareness of these crucial signs. Spotting them early can prevent others being in DKA by the time they are diagnosed.”
Steph now uses an insulin pump and believes her new-found love of exercise has helped her to manage her diabetes and improve her fitness. She plans to carry on fundraising for Diabetes UK and hopes to sign up for the Cardiff half marathon next year.
To sponsor Steph, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stephanie-smith49 .
