Husbands inspire their wives on the city run for Diabetes UK

Hairdresser Belle Woodcraft, 28, from Potton, is a keen runner and has completed a marathon before, but is inspired by her husband Chris who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago.

Chris, 28, has had to manage his condition while building up a new business.

Belle said: “We have always been very healthy and fit people, so Chris’s diagnosis was a real shock. Our lives have massively changed and I’ve become very good at making sugar-free cakes and inventing new ways to make delicious dinners.

“Chris felt tired and rundown before the diagnosis and really thirsty. We set up The Coach House, a small hotel which Chris now runs, it is a stressful job, so managing your diet and insulin correctly is a daily grind.

“I don’t think people realise the impact the condition has on people’s lives and I’m really looking forward to raising money for Diabetes UK.”

Fellow runner and mum of two Becky Allam, 35, from Shefford, got the running bug a couple of years ago when she joined her local club.

Becky’s husband Mark, 37, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was a healthy 21-year-old. She said: “Mark injects five times a day and is constantly adjusting his diet and dosage to get the balance of insulin right which is often hard to achieve.”

Becky had first-hand experience of what Mark endures on a daily basis when she developed gestational diabetes in both her pregnancies. She added: “It wasn’t until I was testing my own blood sugar levels and injecting that I fully understood the complexity of having diabetes. Now with two young daughters we are conscious of making healthier choices for our family and enjoy meal planning and home cooking.

“I have never felt fitter or stronger to take on the challenge of the London Marathon and my place means I have been given a huge opportunity to raise money for a cause very close to my heart.”

The London Marathon, on April 24, will include dozens of Team Diabetes UK runners take to the streets for the 26.2 mile course.

Teresa Strange, Diabetes UK Eastern Fundraiser, said: “The London Marathon is an amazing event to be a part of. The months of training and dedication from Belle and Becky will be turned in April into a one-of-a-kind way to see London at its best. Together with the rest of Team Diabetes UK they will raise vital funds to help people living with diabetes.

“Every penny raised will help us to support the 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK so please give generously to back Belle and Becky and support their amazing effort.”

If you have a place in the London Marathon but haven’t selected a charity yet, you can email [email protected].

To find out more information about signing up to future fundraising events for Diabetes UK, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/London-Marathon or call the eventsfundraising team on 0345 123 2399.

To sponsor Belle visit www.justgiving.com/Crazybelle/

To sponsor Becky visit www.justgiving.com/BeckyAllam/