A KINGSKERSWELL woman who has diabetes is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Michelle Stockman, 45, who has Type 1 diabetes, relies on insulin to stay alive.

She is tackling the long-distance run to prove that people with the condition can live a normal life as well as raising money to help find a cure.

Type 1, which affects about 10 per cent of people with diabetes, normally starts at a young age and as yet cannot be cured or prevented, whereas Type 2 usually starts later in life and may be prevented or delayed in some cases with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Michelle, a business support coordinator for a charity, has been training hard for the event.

She said: ‘I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 16 and many things have changed since then.

‘Syringes have been replaced with pens and pumps, and blood glucose monitors have shrunk in size.

‘Wouldn’t it be fantastic to finally find a cure?

‘In the meantime, me and my insulin pump will plod around London Town on Marathon Day to show people that I control my diabetes, it doesn’t control me.’

The London Marathon will see dozens of Team Diabetes UK runners take to the streets to run the 26.2-mile course.

Natasha Evans, Diabetes UK fundraising events manager, said: ‘The London Marathon is an amazing event.

‘The months of training and dedication from Michelle will be turned in April into a unique way to see London at its best.

‘We’d like to say a big thank you for her support.

‘Together with the rest of Team Diabetes UK she will raise vital funds to help people living with diabetes.

‘Every penny raised will help us to support the 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK so please give generously to back Michelle and support their amazing effort.’

Michelle has been raising money through Facebook and her JustGiving page.