Four colleagues from Hywel Dda University Health Board’s diabetes team are running the JCP Swansea Half Marathon to support Diabetes UK Cymru.

Michelle Whittal-Williams, a medical secretary, Laura Jones, a dietitian, and two specialist diabetes nurses, Krystle Gunner and Sarah Bruce, are all based at the Diabetes Centre at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

They were inspired to take up the challenge by their own families’ experiences of living with diabetes, and by their patients.

Michelle, 43, said, “Every day we see people living with diabetes who are facing really challenging situations. The condition can be tough, but the way they deal with struggles is really inspiring. My grandfather had Type 1 diabetes and my stepfather has Type 2 diabetes, so I also understand the impact it can have on a family.

“We wanted to raise awareness of how tough living with diabetes can be, as well as raise money for Diabetes UK Cymru. We’re all fitting our training around family and work commitments but we’re determined to have a great race and make our patients proud.”

Krystle, 30, a paediatric diabetes nurse, also has a personal reason for running.

Krystle said, “I work with children and young people with Type 1 diabetes and my brother, Ben, also has the condition. I wanted to take on a challenge to raise awareness and funds to help improve all their futures.”

The four colleagues are experienced runners, with more than ten half marathons between them. Nevertheless they are training hard for the event on Sunday 23 June, and earlier this month won the team event at the annual Carmarthen Mayor’s 5K Fun Run.

Sarah, 42, continued, “Helping people who are living with diabetes to complete sporting challenges is so inspirational. I have helped patients who have completed triathlons and epic bike rides. They have to overcome so many more challenges besides the usual training woes and it makes me feel so proud to see what they achieve.

“I’ve done five half marathons and it’s a distance that feels challenging but achievable. We are training separately but encouraging each other via a Whatsapp group and when we see each other at work. Our patients motivate us all when the training gets tough.”

More than 194,000 people in Wales are living with diabetes, the highest prevalence in the UK. 90 per cent of these are living with Type 2 diabetes. If not managed well, diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru, said, “We’re delighted to have Michelle, Laura, Krystle and Sarah on our team for this year’s race and can’t wait to cheer them across the finish line. We’re so grateful to them for taking part and helping to support people living with diabetes all across Wales.”

To sponsor the colleagues, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TeamDiabetes1.

Diabetes UK Cymru has guaranteed charity places remaining for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday 23 June. Places are open to everyone. For more information, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/swansea-half-marathon.