A Business Ops Design Analyst from Putney is taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK in support of his girlfriend - and luckily with an elite runner as a training partner!
Matt Jackman, 28, was inspired to take on the gruelling 26-mile challenge on Sunday, 21 April because his girlfriend lives with type 1 diabetes.
He said:
“My girlfriend Sophie has fundraised for Diabetes UK and I wanted to find a way to support her and to raise awareness of diabetes at the same time. Before I met Sophie I knew very little about diabetes and the impact it can have on someone’s life. Sophie is an inspiration to me.”
“I’d started running to get fit a few years ago so the Marathon seemed like a good challenge. I have been training for around 10 months. It’s hard but I do have a secret weapon - my flatmate is the runner Jack Rowe who is hoping to represent Team GB in the Paris Olympics later this year.”
Sophie said:
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to Matt for all his support and for raising money for Diabetes UK.”
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 8% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. No one knows exactly what causes it, and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults.
Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.
Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK Head of South East Coast and London, said:
“Thank you to Matt - and Jack. We’ll be cheering Matt on – even with the help of Jack and the support of Sophie we know that taking on a Marathon is a big challenge.
“The money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”
The London Marathon starts in Blackheath in Greenwich and ends 26.2 miles later at Buckingham Palace. Around 38,000 people take part, raising money for their favourite causes. It takes in many of London’s famous landmarks.
Matt has a JustGiving / fundraising page: Matthew Jackman is fundraising for Diabetes UK (justgiving.com)
