A Diabetes UK employee from Forest Gate, Newham is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to run this year’s TCS London Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK.
Ahmed Alnaama, 38, will take on the gruelling 26-mile London Marathon on Sunday 23 April, which he became inspired to participate in following his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in 2015.
He had previously been admitted to hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - a life-threatening condition.
DKA can happen when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body. The body can’t use sugar for energy and starts to use fat instead which leads to the release of chemicals called. If left unchecked, ketones can build up and make your blood become acidic - hence the name acidosis.
Once Ahmed’s condition was stabilised and he received the news that he had type 1 diabetes he set about learning to manage his condition.
He said:
“From the outset, I have been determined that diabetes would not dictate my life and stop me achieving things. It’s not always easy navigating injecting insulin numerous times a day and having to think about diabetes 24/7 and 365 days every year.
“But I have been fortunate. Having grown up with a father who has had type 1 for nearly 50 years, I was well educated on the condition, the high and lows (literally) and how it can impact your life.
“Not everyone is as lucky as me and might not have the support they need. Many people living with diabetes are severely affected by complications that can include amputations, nerve damage, heart attack and strokes.”
'A huge undertaking'
Ahmed, a Partnerships Manager who has worked for Diabetes UK for two years, has always enjoyed sport and decided to run the marathon to raise funds for the charity.
He added:
“As much as I love sports, I've never run a marathon before and this is a huge undertaking for me, both the training and diabetes management.”
Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK Head of South East Coast and London, said:
“Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers and it’s inspiring to think that one of our own colleagues is joining in the effort this year.
“We’re very grateful to Ahmed for his commitment - running a marathon is hard work! As he knows, the money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”
The London Marathon starts in Blackheath in Greenwich and ends 26.2 miles later at Buckingham Palace. Around 38,000 people take part, raising money for their favourite causes. It takes in many of London’s famous landmarks.
Ahmed has a JustGiving page at https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ahmed-alnaama
