Selwyn’s wife Michelle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 42 years ago at the aged of just 7, after falling into a diabetic coma.
Selwyn’s story
Michelle's control was always erratic being described as a 'brittle diabetic’.
Complications arose with neuropathy in both feet, then at the age of 30 her kidneys failed and she went on dialysis for 3 years before getting the gift of a kidney transplant from her father. We married a year later.
The transplant gave her a new lease of life and energy. We were able to travel the world including South Africa where we both undertook a sky dive over Queensland.
However, over the past five years diabetes has taken control. This led to a double heart bypass in 2012 and ulcers on and off her feet during 2016/17, Michelle spent 8 months in hospital which resulted in her big toe and ball of her right foot being removed. Having been in a wheelchair for some period of time and not being able to get out with her two dog Bertie & Buster we purchased a mobility scooter which has allowed her to come out walking the dogs with me.
I am raising money because we still haven’t defeated this condition and I want as many people to be aware of the debilitating effects it can have.
Taking on 5 challenges
I am running 5 marathons, as I have run marathons before on behalf of another charity and I want to really engage people to donate, so I thought I should up what I am willing to put myself through to make them donate again.
I have been training for this challenge since early November, going out running three evenings a week one tempo and two easy runs and then a long run at the weekend. From January, I dropped back to three when my weekend long run was exceeding 15 miles each time.
During the past month I have competed in the Stamford 30k, Tarpley 20 mile and Milton Keynes 20 Miles races all to get me match fit!
There have been two challenges: firstly the weather, I have been running just over four years but this year seems to have been the worst for climatic conditions with cold easterly winds and frequent rain or snow showers, I guess I am getting pay back for the three previous mild winters training.
The other challenge has been fitting in the training required to be in a condition to achieve the 5 marathons.
This includes juggling home life especially as Michelle is frequently unstable at home so I have to undertake more than my fair share of household chores (joke).
Also Michelle has weekly hospital and doctor appointments which have to be fitted in around work as well as home life, and of course do not forget Bertie and Buster our two terriers who always need their walks.
As the challenge approaches I feel relatively confident, foremost I want to complete the 5 marathons, after that I have two sub objectives first to run them all (no walking) and second to complete them all under 4 hours, nothing like a challenge, Michelle calls me 'mad'
