'I want to share my story to prove that having diabetes will not stop you achieving your goals.'

"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.

Before my diagnosis I had started to do a bit of running. I'd always dreamed of running a marathon and decided 2008 was the year I was going to finally acheive my goal.

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.

I want to share my story to prove that having diabetes will not stop you achieving your goals. Especially those who are newly diagnosed.

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."