Martin Bowen from Narberth will be tackling the London Marathon to fundraise for Diabetes UK and raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes.

This is the 44-year-old father-of-two’s third London Marathon, having completed the race for the charity previously in 2006 and 2009. Raising awareness of diabetes is a cause that is close to Martin’s heart as he has been living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly 16 years.

The London Marathon, to be run this Sunday, April 24, sees dozens of Team Diabetes UK runners take to the streets to run the 26.2 mile course.

Martin has been training hard for the event and said: “Having diabetes has never stopped me from doing anything and completing the London Marathon three times will prove that. I try and lead an active life by running two or three times a week when I’m in training for the marathon and refereeing junior rugby matches most weekends.

“I continued to play rugby for a number of years after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and decided to enter the London Marathon again this year to raise money for Diabetes UK, to help fund their research and hopefully find a cure. I’m sure with the great work they do in this field, a cure is just around the corner.

“I have had great support from my wife Rachel and my children George and Lily and from Dr. Underwood and my diabetes specialist nurse Linda Atherton at Withybush General Hospital. I’m hoping to beat my personal best of three hours and 59 minutes, but we’ll see.”

There are around 18,300 adults living with Type 1 diabetes in Wales. It isn’t known what causes the condition, but it cannot be prevented and has nothing to do with being overweight. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed when you are a child or young adult, where the signs and symptoms are usually very obvious and develop very quickly; they include feeling tired, thirsty, losing weight and needing to urinate more often. However, as in Martin’s case, it can develop at any age, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Joesph Cuff, Diabetes UK Cymru’s fundraising manager, said: “The London Marathon is an amazing event to be a part of. The months of training and dedication from Martin will be turned into a one-of-a-kind way to see London at its best on the day. Together with the rest of Team Diabetes UK they will raise vital funds to help people living with diabetes.

“I want to thank Martin for his continued support and wish him the best of luck. Every penny raised will help us to support people living with diabetes in the UK so please give generously to back Martin and support his amazing effort.”

To sponsor Martin visit www.justgiving.com/Martin-Bowen2.

To find out more information about signing up to future fundraising events for Diabetes UK, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/London-Marathon or call the Events Fundraising team on 0345 123 2399.