Rebecca Shaw from Wolverhampton is taking on the challenge of walking 62 miles in March.
The 29-year-old sales coordinator who lives with type 1 diabetes said:
“I wanted to challenge myself and my fitness and thought what better way to do it than raising money for an amazing charity at the same time. I’m taking small walks on my lunch breaks at work and family walks on evenings and weekends. My little girl loves getting out and she's exploring too."
Diagnosed when she was 18 years old, Rebecca marked it by doing a walk around Walsall Arboretum for us.
Now she felt she wanted to get involved again and raise money and awareness of diabetes, particularly because it can feel so isolating. She feels very strongly about diabetes burnout:
“I've suffered with my mental health since being diagnosed and have experienced burnout many times. I think it's important for people to know they're not alone and we all go through the same things. When I was diagnosed, I had no family or friends with diabetes, so I felt isolated with my emotions.
"Since joining diabetes groups and the 62 miles in March group on Facebook, it's been so comforting to see such a strong, understanding and friendly community out there. I always say we're a diabetes family. You may never meet those people, but you have a connection with them as they're probably the only people that will 100% understand.”
As National Trust members, Rebecca and her family do a lot of walks exploring different locations.
“Apart from walking I like to do my colouring, sudoku and am currently doing a jigsaw. I find these things therapeutic and just my time to wind down after a busy day”.
Group support crucial for people living with diabetes
After she completes her 62 miles in March, Rebecca is looking forward to taking on other challenges to raise awareness and funds for us. She added:
“What Diabetes UK do to help support those affected by diabetes is incredible. It's not worth thinking about where we would be without charities like this."
Stacey Smalley, our Community Fundraising Manager in Midlands and East region said:
“Supporters like Rebecca are instrumental to the work with do, by fundraising and raising awareness of issues affecting people living with diabetes. Through our groups face-to-face and online, we provide a platform for peer-to-peer support that is a lifeline for many. The fundraising groups share tips and support each other while taking on challenges, which we are so grateful for.”
You can find out more about Rebecca's challenge and donate to her fundraiser on her Just Giving page.
If you live in the Midlands and East of England region, find one of our local groups near you.
