A family history of diabetes inspired a primary school teacher from Teesside to run the Bupa Great North Run for Diabetes UK.
The run was the third time Nikki Fothergill has taken part in the Bupa Great North Run for Diabetes UK. She’s supporting the charity after experiencing the consequences of diabetes first-hand.
Nikki said: “My mum was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost 30 years ago, at the age of 40, and sadly she passed away following complications from the condition.
“I first ran the Bupa Great North Run in 2008, when I was about 11 weeks pregnant.
I ran again in 2010, when my mum was in hospital having her leg amputated below the knee because of diabetic ulcers.
In 2012, I’m running the half marathon in my mum’s memory.
Diabetes UK is the nominated charity partner for the Bupa Great Run Series from 2012.
Knowing I’m running to help other people just like my mum has given me something to strive for
Nikki
Running, as well as other physical activities, can help with managing diabetes more effectively, in addition to helping reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Over 10,000 runners are expected to sign up and run for the charity this year.
Through the millions of pounds raised by runners, Diabetes UK and Bupa will be holding a series of Healthy Lifestyle Roadshows throughout the country to help tackle and prevent Type 2 diabetes, as well as identifying some of the estimated 630,000 people in the UK who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know it.
