Tony had an extra special reason for choosing to run the London Marathon for Diabetes UK. Below he explains why.
"There was not a choice, I was always going to run for Diabetes UK. I started fundraising five years ago, the day after my sister passed away. Her name was Debbie and she had been a diabetic since age of 6. I had been ignorant growing up with diabetes watching her go in to hospital and come out again. The last few years before she passed was more difficult watching her go the through all the complications it caused, from having her leg amputated to kidney failure. When she left, my mother turned round and said I could run for her as I had mentioned it to her thinking she was going to come home.
This was the reason, so the day after she left us I signed up for Manchester 10k on 15 May 2011 – it was her birthday so it was a very special day. Since then my fundraising has been supporting Diabetes UK.
This year was to mark her 5th anniversary with other events throughout the year I fell lucky to get a place. I wanted to mark the 5th anniversary in a special way. I organised a virtual run to start the year and to celebrate the day she left us 25th Jan and also in the year a charity night and sponsored events. I wanted to raise at least £2,000 and currently with Gift Aid I am on £3,400.
With a couple more events I will make hopefully £4,000 to end a fantastic year. In the last five years I have helped to raise nearly £10,000 through all the events and it’s been a great journey. I have also been a team leader three times.
We all have something to motivate us, but it’s nice to motivate others even 1 person, running for diabetes will sure motivate others."
If you’ve been lucky enough to get a place in this year’s London Marathon and Tony's story has inspired you we’d love to have you to join TeamDUK.Sign up today.
