Rachel Burr joins Diabetes UK Cymru with a wealth of experience. She has over 15 years' experience in the Third Sector, including at Dogs Trust and Citizens Advice. 

• Figures show 40% of people with diabetes in Wales had consultations cancelled that have still not taken place
• One in three have not had contact with their diabetes team since the start of the pandemic
• Over half of people in Wales have had difficulties managing their diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic

Elizabeth Evans Hughes

Elizabeth Evans Hughes was born in New York of Welsh descent, her grandfather having emigrated to the USA from Tredegar. Her father, Charles Evans Hughes, became a distinguished member of American society, and would go on to be a presidential candidate, Secretary of State and one Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 

Joseph Cuff, regional fundraiser at Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “We’re delighted that the Swansea Half Marathon is back on. After the lockdowns and cancellations of live events, it will be an opportunity for dozens of people who miss races to join and fundraise for our charity.

The primary school teacher said: “I understand that the NHS is busy and staff are doing their best, but when you live with a long-term condition like diabetes it’s important to have face to face support. That has changed. I haven’t seen my doctor for almost two years. I only had a very short telephone call with a consultant.

This is the third time, Mark has taken on the gruelling Fan Dance march, walking over 14 miles (around 24 km) to scale the highest mountain in South Wales, standing at 2,906 feet (886 metres) high with a heavy backpack.

Mark, from Tenby in Pembrokeshire has previously raised money for Pembrokeshire guide dogs and Dystonia UK.

Beth, a teaching assistant from Newborough in Anglesey, has three children, including Ava. Ava was rushed to hospital with DKA and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2019.

Pete said: “Luckily, I had family support. Now, I manage my diabetes with the added help of exercise and eating the right things, I’m careful of what I put in my body. I always research foods and how they affect my blood sugars. After 30 years you get to know which foods spike your bloods. Diabetes has been a blessing and a curse.

As a mother of three boys, Dianne was used to juggling family life with a busy job as a Lettings Officer, hiring out facilities and orgainising events in a school in Shropshire. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 12 years old, she knew what to do and barely ever needed to go to the doctors.