News - Diabetes UK Eastern

Adnan Ahmed took on the 1 Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK after realising he needed to immediately overhaul his lifestyle to improve his health.

“I weighed nearly 24st. I had all the symptoms of the condition as I was thirsty all the time, going to the toilet a lot and was very tired,” said Adnan.

Graeme Shaw, his sons William and Anthony, and best friend Keith Miller (pictured at the finish) took up the challenge in memory of Graeme’s brother Neil. Father-of-two Neil Shaw had lived with Type 1 diabetes for 20 years when he died following a heart attack in October 2015.

The Diabetes UK Colchester group plan to fundraise for the charity and plan days out for the families, supporting the children to meet other children from the local area, who also live with the condition.

Vicky Owens has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 38 years and is keen to keep as fit and active as possible, and also to support the vital research the charity funds every year.

Her ambitious plan saw her take on the Bedford Twilight 10K run on Saturday 1 September, and the following day she laced up her trainers again to join her fellow runners for the Bedford Half Marathon. 

Six GPs and nurses from Littlewick Medical Centre and Gladstone House Surgery are organising a Couch to 5K programme. They have joined forces with Jog Derbyshire who are experienced in leading jogging groups for beginners along the beautiful Erewash canal in Ilkeston.

The ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ will take place on Friday 29 June at Beehive Resource Centre, West Street, Grays, from 10am to 4pm. The one-day event aims to help people from the Thurrock area who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last few years. 

Many people with diabetes need to self-monitor their blood glucose levels. This is usually done with a finger prick blood test using a meter that indicates the blood glucose level at the time of the test. People with diabetes who use insulin often need to test many times a day.

The events will be a great opportunity to find out what local services are available for people with diabetes. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of local healthcare professionals and find out more about the care you should be receiving.

Father-of-two Quinton Haverson is organising a charity night in March where he will transform into Q Elvis and perform a host of the King’s classic songs from the 50s to the 70s.

Quinton was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes five years ago at the age of 40 and he is keen to raise awareness and understanding of the condition as well as vital funds for Diabetes UK.

Jane Pack, 54, (pictured) is taking part in the swimming challenge of the year, Swim22, between 22 February and 22 May as part of her continued bid to get fitter and lose weight following gastric bypass surgery in April last year.