A Birmingham teacher is tackling a series of 36 physical feats in the run-up to her 40th birthday in a bid to raise £10,000 for Diabetes UK and celebrate the life of her brother.
Mel Faulkner has embarked on this difficult journey as a tribute to her twin Richard who died last year. Richard had lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was 14 years old. He died suddenly in February 2018, aged just 37.
Mel, 38, said: “As twins, Rich and I grew up doing everything together, causing mischief and having fun wherever we went.
“His passing has left a massive hole in our family. It has been incredibly difficult for us all to deal with. My first birthday without him was difficult, but it reminded me that we had big plans to celebrate our 40th in 2021.
“Although it won’t be the same, I wanted to keep that promise. The more I thought about it, the more it has grown. Now it’s 36 challenges in 36 months. Taking us from when we were 36 to our 40th birthday.
“It will end with the sky dive, but before then I’ll be doing walks, runs, swimming, kayaking, climbing and lots of other challenges. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for Diabetes UK. I can attest to the amazing work of the charity. Their care and support ensures people feel less daunted and their advice helps people better manage their diabetes.”
Siobhan Clifford, Diabetes UK West Midlands fundraiser said:
“Mel is taking on an incredible set of challenges to raise money for us and we are so grateful.
“The money she is raising will support Diabetes UK’s commitment to funding vital research, improving care for people living with diabetes and our work around stemming the alarming rise in Type 2 diabetes.
“At a time of great personal loss, Mel is supporting the charity and helping us create a world where diabetes can do no harm.”
To support Mel’s fundraising please go to her JustGiving page; for more details of her amazing challenge go to her Facebook page.
