A busy mum from Royal Wootton Bassett will be doing the 1 Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK after four members of her family were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
The event takes place between 1 July and 30 September, and invites people to push themselves out of their comfort zone, by taking one million steps over three months and getting sponsored for every stride.
It will take Hannah Carter at least 10,000 steps a day to reach her million.
Hannah, 34, is taking part because her father, two sisters and nephew all have Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and people with the condition have to take daily doses of insulin, either by pump or injection, in order to stay alive.
The mum of two, who also runs a make-up and skincare business, has been training hard for the event. She has been walking the family Cairn terrier Sully in local parks with her two-year-old daughter Rosie in a sling on her back.
Hannah, who also has another daughter aged five, said: “I’m hoping to complete the challenge by taking the dog out and by walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path when we go to Tenby on our summer holiday. A cure would be amazing but it’s a long way off. I’m doing the 1 Million Steps Challenge to raise money for research that will benefit the next generation. I would love to know that things were moving forward.”
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are an estimated 4.6 million people living with diabetes in the UK. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including blindness, lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes.
Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south west regional head, said: “We’re really grateful to Hannah Carter for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.
“The 1 Million Step Challenge is also perfect if you want to take steps towards a healthier you. You can take on the challenge alone, or better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can walk it, jog it or dance it. You can even split the million steps between a team to make it easier. However you take part, the money you raise is vital in the fight against diabetes.”
To sponsor Hannah Carter, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rainbowracer
To sign up for the 1 Million Step Challenge go to www.diabetes.org.uk/million-step
There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.
