Nurse Karen and Donna, Dietitian with Type 1 Diabetes, inspire Gwent locals to join Diabetes awareness parkrun
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is partnering with Diabetes UK and parkrun for a diabetes awareness event at Penallta parkrun on Saturday 21st June. Open to all Gwent residents, whether you run, walk or jog -everyone is welcome. The parkrun headliner event, comes just after the end of Diabetes Week which is a key Health Board priority.
Leading the call is Donna, a Dietitian with Type 1 Diabetes who has recently started her fitness journey, and Karen, a 62-year-old Respiratory Nurse and grandmother.
Donna, is the Manager of Community Dietetics at the Health Board and also has Type 1 Diabetes. Donna has wanted to get fitter since her daughter started running the Penallta parkrun. Donna’s ambition is to do parkrun as a family.
“I was a little nervous beginning to run after 10+years of not running. I have enjoyed using the couch to 5k approach and really noticed how my fitness has improved as well as my blood sugar levels, which is really helping me manage my diabetes. I always run with fast acting hypo treatment to ensure I keep myself safe and this has reassured me to start this journey. I cannot wait to do the full parkrun at Penallta on the 21st June in support of Diabetes.”
Karen regularly takes part in the Cwmbran parkrun as both a runner and volunteer, has already completed 34 parkruns and helped out at 7, using the experience to build her fitness, mental health, and friendships. Karen (pictured below) loves running and fundraising for her granddaughter Elsie who has Tuberous Sclerosis is a strong advocate for parkrun and how it can help your physical and mental health.
“It’s helped me get fit to complete a half marathon to raise money for charity, which I did last year in Cardiff. I’ve also lost a stone since starting, made loads of new friends and found a real community. It helps me manage daily stresses and keeps my mental health steady.”
“These runs are very social and inclusive – we have blind runners and older people who come just to walk,” she added. “I’d encourage anyone to go to their local parkrun, meet new people, get a bit fitter and live a longer, healthier life!”
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including disability and death. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, can significantly impact individuals and their families. People can find out more about Diabetes by visiting: Diabetes UK - Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK.
Prof Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health for Gwent said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Diabetes UK and parkrun to raise awareness about Diabetes to our communities across Gwent.
Diabetes is a key public health concern with it affecting over 8% of adults across Gwent. But there are lot’s that people can do to reduce their risk of Diabetes, and parkrun is a brilliant and free way to do just that – improving both physical and mental health while having fun at the same time”.
Find your nearest parkrun
More information about the event can be found on the parkrun Penallta webpage, and more about the other parkruns held every weekend all over Gwent, can be found here.