Yoan Jones, a 54-year-old engineer from Blaenavon, is preparing to run seven events in 13 weeks this autumn to raise funds for Diabetes UK, marking over 40 years of living with type 1 diabetes. His challenge begins with the Cardiff CDF 10km on September 6 and concludes with a 10km race at Rodney Parade in Newport on November 29.
Between September and November, Jones will complete three half marathons and four 10km races across Wales and England, running an event every two weeks. In total, he will run more than 100km to support the charity.
Diagnosis at 13 on a family holiday
Jones was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 while on a family holiday in Portugal. Before the diagnosis, he had experienced worsening symptoms, including fatigue and a wound that would not heal, before he became seriously unwell and was admitted to hospital.
He said: "I hadn't been well for a while. I was constantly tired, off my food and just completely run down. It all came to a head while on holiday with family and friends. I collapsed and was taken to hospital, where I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I can still remember waking up in the hospital. It was frightening."
Managing diabetes during training
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with the condition can no longer produce the insulin they need to survive and must take insulin and monitor their blood glucose levels regularly to keep them within a healthy range. It is a serious lifelong condition that can lead to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as well as sight loss, heart attack, and stroke.
Managing type 1 diabetes during training can be demanding, with blood glucose levels requiring careful monitoring, but Jones is determined not to let the condition hold him back. He said: "I've developed some complications over the years, but diabetes has never stopped me doing the things I've wanted to do. It certainly isn't going to stop me taking on this challenge."
He is supported by his local diabetes team and attends regular appointments to help manage his condition. He added: "Every day brings its own challenges, and I know what other people living with diabetes are going through. If I can raise money, raise awareness, and push myself along the way, then it will all be worth it."
Fundraising for vital support and research
Jones hopes to raise £1,000 for Diabetes UK to help fund vital support services and pioneering research. Rhian Liddiard, engaging communities and volunteering manager for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "Yoan's determination is inspiring and we're grateful for his support. We're also thankful to him for helping raise awareness of diabetes and the work of our charity. The funds he raises will help us support people living with diabetes and drive vital research. We wish him every success with this incredible challenge and look forward to following his journey."
The events Jones will run are: September 6 - Cardiff CDF 10km; September 20 - Cheltenham Half Marathon; October 6 - Cardiff Half Marathon; October 18 - Burton on Trent 10km; November 1 - Movember Half Marathon, Bute Park Cardiff; November 15 - Movember 10km Ashton Gate Bristol; November 29 - Rodney Parade Newport 10km.
Diabetes UK encourages people to look out for the 4Ts - toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner - as signs of diabetes, and to seek medical advice if these symptoms are present.
