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Jessica’s London Marathon mission for Diabetes UK Cymru

Jessica Loch has Type 1 diabetes and is getting set to run her first ever marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru this month

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Jessica, 27 from Newport, only started running 18 months ago. She will be lining up with thousands of others at his year’s Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 28 April. Jessica was diagnosed aged 6 after her family noticed some concerning symptoms.

Jessica said, “I remember being on holiday with my family and feeling tired all the time. I constantly drank as I was so thirsty. My aunt is a GP and told my parents to take me to the hospital as soon as possible.

“I have good days and bad days. In my late teens it wasn’t great. I just wanted to be a normal teenager. As I got older I realised I was only hindering myself by not managing my condition as well as I could.”

The running bug

Jessica started running in the lead up to a family wedding  and soon got the running bug.

“I started on the treadmill and soon got up to 5K. I pushed myself to run the Cardiff 10K, then persuaded my dad to run the Cowbridge 10K with me. After that I signed up to my first half marathon last June in Swansea. I don’t care what time I finish in, I just feel pride in completing it – plus I love the medals!”

Jessica hopes to show others with Type 1 diabetes that the condition should not hold them back.

Jessica continued, “I can’t wait to run over Tower Bridge and see my fiancé Aidan and my family. The support I’ve had so far has been incredible.

“Type 1 diabetes is a condition I’ll always have to manage, but it doesn’t hold me back. If I can run a marathon then anyone can!”

We wish Jessica all the best of luck with her training and look forward to cheering her across the line on 28 April!

Feel inspired by Jessica's story? We're looking for a team of Type 1 runners to help us break a World Record at the Swansea Half Marathon this year.

Find out more and get your place

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