Somerset man with Type 1 diabetes gears up for 100th marathon

A 55-year-old with Type 1 diabetes is preparing for his 100th marathon. 

Martin Draper, from Bridgwater, who was diagnosed in 2003, has recently completed his 99th race and is preparing to join the 100 Marathon Club. He will reportedly be the first person with Type 1 diabetes to join this exclusive club and will be running his 100th marathon on 28 June at Giants Head in Cerne Abbas, Dorset.

Martin will be raising cash for Type 1 diabetes charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The 400,000 people in the UK who live with Type 1 diabetes  – including nearly 30,000 children – rely on multiple insulin injections or pump infusions every day just to stay alive. A child diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five faces up to 19,000 injections and 50,000 finger prick blood tests by the time they are 18. The condition is not linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Talking of his diagnosis, Martin said: “I had the classic symptoms of losing weight, drinking lots and feeling dreadful. It hasn’t been easy but what I’ve realised is that with careful management, type 1 diabetes doesn’t control you, you control it.”

He added: “By 2012, my overall marathon total had reached 50, and I decided to aim for membership of the 100 marathon club.”

Martin has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats and also done the return trip, climbed Kilimanjaro and even made it to Everest base camp. Martin – who is a father of three and a grandfather of one – has run marathons all over the world from Paris to Edinburgh to Singapore. His first 26 mile race living with Type 1 diabetes was the London Marathon in 2004. In 2012, Martin ran 23 marathons and in 2013 he ran 29.

Karen Addington, chief executive of JDRF, said: “Martin is a real inspiration to people living with Type 1 diabetes. This is a remarkable challenge that proves that living with the condition does not have to hold you back in life. The cure will one day be found, it’s just a matter of time, money and excellent research.”

Martin is keen to offer his advice to others that live with Type 1 diabetes and meet other runners that manage complex conditions. He said: “I’ve been down an unsteady road of tears and triumphs but if you surround yourself with supportive friends and family and shed light on what you are dealing with – things are a lot easier.

“Testing, physical challenges have always appealed to me and after being diagnosed I saw no reason to stop doing this type of thing. For me it’s a work hard, play hard approach to life that I enjoy.”

To sponsor Martin on this incredible feat please visit www.justgiving.com/Martin-Draper100.

Or, to take part in a fundraiser for the JDRF, contact the team at events@jdrf.org.uk or visit www.jdrf.org.uk/events.