A stone mason who lives with type 1 diabetes is running two ultra marathons, back to back, to raise awareness about our work and inspire people living with diabetes.
Father-of-two Spencer Hoadly, 43, decided to take on the challenge of two ultra marathons as a way of thanking us for our support and motivating himself and others to keep fit and active.
Spencer (pictured after completing the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon) lives in Kings Langley and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 14.
Spencer said: “I remember being diagnosed at a time when I just wanted to do all the things my mates were doing. I struggled with managing it during my teens and 20s, but I now follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly I can’t stress how important adopting this healthy lifestyle is to managing my diabetes.
“I’m not a serious runner, but took on the London Marathon a couple of years ago after joining a running club. As events got cancelled last year, I found it hard to motivate myself to go running. I definitely need a challenge or something to work towards. So when I saw the two ultra marathons challenge in the Yorkshire Dales, I decided to go for it.”
Ultra marathons are longer than the 26.2-mile standard marathon and Spencer is planning to run further than he has ever run before, on two consecutive days.
Spencer shares his training highs and lows on his YouTube channel.
Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands and East Regional Head, said: “Spencer is taking on an extremely tough physical feat to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. It’s not only inspiring, but the challenge is a great way of showing people living with the condition, especially people newly diagnosed, that regular exercise, healthy eating and careful management is vital to supporting people reach their goals.
On behalf of everyone at Diabetes UK, I want to say a massive thank you to Spencer and good luck with the training and the challenge itself.”
