An 12-year-old boy from Swindon will be doing the One Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK after being 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.
Logan Rose, who is a student at Nova Hreod Academy, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October 2017 after showing the classic symptoms of thirst, needing to wee a lot and tiredness. Since then he has vowed to raise £1,000 towards diabetes research every year.
He made over £1,200 for Diabetes UK last year by taking part in the charity’s Swim22 challenge, which encourages people to swim the equivalent of the English Channel in their local pool. He was nominated for a Diabetes UK South West Inspire Award for this achievement.
Why is Logan so committed to fundraising for the charity? “So that we can find a cure for diabetes,” he said.
When the Year 7 student takes on this year’s fundraiser, the Million Step Challenge, in a few days’ time, he will need to take at least 10,000 steps a day to reach his million. He is planning to complete them by walking the three-mile round trip to school and back during term-time, and by visiting local parks with his family.
Logan’s mum, Rachel Rose, said: “There are some lovely country parks in the Swindon area with some nice walks. As long as the weather holds out, we’ll be fine.”
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are an estimated 4.7 million people living with diabetes in the UK. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and have to take regular insulin doses by injection or pump in order to stay alive. It cannot currently be prevented or cured. People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly. Family history, age, certain ethnic backgrounds and being overweight are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke. With the right treatment, knowledge and support, people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.
Logan has embraced new technology to help him manage his condition, including an electronic glucose monitoring device and an insulin pump. Rachel said, “We like to say he’s part Cyborg! Some days are harder than others but we take one day at a time and Logan is good with technology.”
Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West Regional Head, said: “We’re really grateful to Logan for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes. He is a fabulous fundraiser and proof, if it were needed, that diabetes need not get in the way of leading a healthy and active life.
“The One Million Step Challenge is 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. How you complete your steps is up to you. The money you raise while you do it will fund our fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.”
To sponsor Logan Rose, visit https://step.diabetes.org.uk/pages/loganrose.
To sign up for the One Million Step Challenge go to www.diabetes.org.uk/step
