Ella took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2019 running the 10K on the same day she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 10 years earlier.
Ella
Aged 19
Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland
Running the 10K
Ella was expecting the 10K to be a challenge but she wanted to take part in a Diabetes UK event. She says she received so much support in the past with helping her manage her diabetes and gain her confidence. On the day, her nerves were squashed when the atmosphere and cheering of the crowd took over, she says “everyone around me was cheering each other on and helped if someone was struggling to carry on running. The day overall was beyond my expectations – the event was so well organised and the feeling I got when I crossed the finish line was nothing like I had expected. I felt so proud of myself for not only having beat my anticipated time of completion but also for being able to run and raise money on behalf of such a great cause.
"I want young, newly diagnosed type 1 people to know that they don’t have to be restricted in what they can achieve, when I was first diagnosed, I definitely thought my life would have new restrictions and limitations and that I would not be able to achieve everything I wanted to. However, through events organised by Diabetes UK I have met so many inspiring people who showed me that this was not true, I want to be able to carry on this message and be a positive example.
"Diabetes UK support so many people each day and without them I would definitely not be as confident with my diabetes as I am today, my advice for others thinking about taking part in a Diabetes UK event is it’s going to be difficult but if you sign up, I know at the finish line you will feel so proud that you have done your bit to help this charity continue to help others like me. I feel very proud that I decided to undertake this challenge and that so many people supported me along the way."
"I feel so proud to have done this for a charity who has done so much for myself and my family in the past"
Next goals
Ella has done fundraisers for Diabetes UK previously in groups and teams, but she says “running this 10K by myself and knowing that I raised the money to help other people like me with type one diabetes was incredible. I feel so proud to have done this for a charity who has done so much for myself and my family in the past.”
One of the things Ella found most difficult was running and training alone as she’s used to participating in team sports. She says this was different on the day as you’re part of a large crowd of people who encourage one another. The next goal is for Ella to run a half marathon for Diabetes UK and volunteer at more family weekend events. “The highlight of the run for me was crossing the finish line and seeing my mum and friends who had come along to support me on the day cheering me on. The whole atmosphere around the finish line was incredible.”
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a fantastic multi distance running event taking place on 23 and 24 May 2020. It is a fast and flat course through a historic city with beautiful scenic views along the way, an ideal marathon for first timers or anyone who’s looking to smash their personal best. Whether you choose a charity place or own place, we’ll be here to support you along the way.
