Our recent kids surfing event for children with type 1 has been a great reminder of the importance of finding and doing things you enjoy, and not letting type 1 diabetes get in the way of a life well lived.
I have always felt that one of the great tragedies of a type 1 diagnosis is that people can end up discarding their dreams, and assuming things are no longer possible because of the disease. The Family Centre works to ensure that everyone living with type 1 diabetes gets the support, guidance and encouragement to live the life they want to live. We know, with the right supports we can all live amazing lives, full of richness and joy.
And yet here I am, CEO of the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, realising that I’ve been letting the same thing happen to me. Exercise has become a real bugbear of mine. Subtly, I’ve let type 1 chip at my confidence in this space and without realising it, I’ve spent most of the last 6 months stuck to my office chair.
I’ve been loving every minute of leading the Family Centre, but watching kids defy expectations and surf in spite of all the challenges of blood glucose management, managing technology, avoiding hypos etc has given me a swift kick in the pants.
I love getting active and I need to make sure type 1 isn’t a reason to hold me back. As I lay out all the items in my diabetes exercise kit I am reminded of the extra burden that people with type 1 carry, often without even thinking about it. It is a lot, but it shouldn’t be the reason we hold back on the things we love.
So HBF Run for a Reason is as a good a reason as any to challenge myself to get back into it and break down some self-imposed barriers. I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone and getting up out of my office chair to try and raise funds to support the Family Centre.
And I’ll be sharing some of my experiences and challenges preparing and participating along the way. Please feel free to share your tips, hints, or ideas on how I can best prepare for this challenge and get more active.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you.
If you would like to support the Family Centre, consider checking out my donation page or get involved in the event yourself. I’d love to see you all there.