A long-term Radlett worker has been raising money for Diabetes UK, a charity close to her heart.
Last year Charlene Ellis, who has worked for Radlett and Shenley’s Barkers Estate Agents for over four years, ran in the Brighton Marathon and raised over £1,000 for the charity. Diabetes UK have told her that she has been accepted to run in next year’s London Marathon.
She commented: “I am very excited about this and when Diabetes UK told me that I had a place, I felt like I had won the lottery, as it’s got to be the biggest Marathon you can take part in and I am hoping to raise a lot more money than I did last year.
“I have already started fundraising and am hoping to hit at least half my target by Christmas I can then focus on the training.”
Her nephew, Archie was diagnosed at three-years-old as a type one diabetic. Archie’s’ pancreas doesn’t work, so insulin is not produced that breaks down sugar in the body. It’s a lifelong illness and insulin is needed to keep Archie alive.
“I never really understood diabetes and certainly didn’t understand the seriousness of it. I assumed if you had diabetes it was because you were overweight. I remember at the time thinking ‘it’s not that serious he could have a worse illness’ which I realise now was such an ignorant way to look at it.
“When I see what my sister and her partner go through on a daily basis it is heart-breaking. Every time he is tested or given insulin it’s so draining on his little body. He has his up and down days but has been so brave throughout.
“My sister asked him and his brother last year what they would wish for if they could have anything and his little brother said a puppy, but Archie said not to have Diabetes anymore. Having diabetes Type 1 has changed his life dramatically.”
Being unable to have sleep overs and going to birthday parties has had a big impact on Archie’s life. Teachers at his school have been fully trained to distribute medication to children, putting their family’s minds at ease.
Charlene is striving to raise funds so a cure can be found.
She said: “I wanted to help Diabetes UK by raising funds in hope one day we find a cure for this disease. Diabetes UK need as much support as possible and if anyone reading this knows anyone affected by Diabetes your support would be greatly appreciated.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlene-ellis2
0 Comments