"On March 28 2008 I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As a nurse I already knew a lot about diabetes and had regularly cared for those with the condition. However it came as a complete shock when I was diagnosed myself.
I entered the Dublin marathon and was looking forward to the challenge. When I was told in March that I had Type 1 diabetes I thought my dream was over. However on 27 October 2008 - nearly seven months to the day I was diagnosed - I completed the Dublin marathon (pictured left, left to right, Gemma Greer, Derek Ferguson and myself), in four hours 57 mins and raised funds in the process for Diabetes UK.
When I was told I was Type 1, I thought it was the end of my world. However, I now realise that my diabetes does not control me; rather I control it.
Looking back, I feel I could have benefitted from speaking to a fellow Type 1 who was maybe six months or a year diagnosed to find out how they coped. This is why I want to share my story to inspire others and give them hope that they can lead a fairly normal life with diabetes."
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