Chris' 21-year-old daughter, Ellie, a student at Newcastle University, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetesin 2016.
The London Marathon, run on Sunday 23 April 2017, sees dozens of #TeamDUK runners take to the streets to run the 26.2 mile course.
Chris Murphy, 58, who lives on Unthank Road, is running the marathon after seeing for himself the impact of the condition and also the invaluable work and support Diabetes UK has given to his daughter and their whole family.
He has been training hard for the event and said: “I have been a runner for many years and at my age thought marathons were literally a step too far. But the opportunity to combine exercise that has given me so much pleasure with helping the work of the charity was too big to ignore. It’s just the motivation I need."
“When I run the marathon it will be almost a year to the day of Ellie’s diagnosis, so it will be very poignant and hopefully will spur me on when the going gets tough.”
Teresa Strange, Diabetes UK Eastern Fundraiser, said: “The London Marathon is an amazing event to be a part of. The months of training and dedication from Chris will be turned in April into a one-of-a-kind way to see London at its best. Together with the rest of #TeamDUK they will raise vital funds to help people living with diabetes.
“Every penny raised will help us to support the millions of people living with diabetes in the UK so please give generously to back Chris and support his amazing effort.”
If you have a place in the London Marathon but haven’t selected a charity yet, emailevents.fundraising@diabetes.org.uk.
Chris Murphy's fundraising page
Support Chris today to help him reach his fundraising goal
