A LLANDUDNO Junction mum has been inspired to take on this year’s Great Manchester Run by her daughter and late father.

Barbara Jones, 46, will tackle the 10km challenge on Sunday, May 19 on behalf of Diabetes UK Cymru as her daughter, Catrin, 22 has Type 1 diabetes, as did her father, Michael.

As a diabetes technician working in Denbighshire, Barbara also deals with the complex, lifelong condition - where the body cannot produce the hormone insulin which controls the amount of sugar in the blood - first hand.

Barbara said: “Catrin developed Type 1 diabetes when she was 11. I thought she just had a virus, but I took her to the GP who confirmed it was Type 1 diabetes. She spent 10 days in hospital. It was an awful shock to us all.

“My father was diagnosed in his late twenties and always struggled with his condition. He was frequently in hospital due to diabetes complications and was devastated when his sight deteriorated and he lost his HGV licence. He passed away very suddenly aged 51 following a brain haemorrhage and we miss him every day.”

Type 1 diabetes is estimated to affect 19,000 people in Wales and must be carefully managed day-to-day. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable.

Barbara added, “I want to fund more research into Type 1 diabetes, and the technology that helps people to manage their condition, as I see every day how life-changing it can be. I just want to raise as much as I can.”

Although the race will be Barbara's firs, she has already been training hard.

Barbara said: “I’m feeling nervous but excited. I did a 5K straight after signing up and it was so much more difficult than I anticipated. It won’t be easy run I am determined to complete it. My daughters Catrin, Amelia and Isabelle and my partner Geoff will be there and it will be a huge relief to see them cheering at the finish line!”

Joseph Cuff, Fundraising Manager, Diabetes UK Cymru, said “Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers like Barbara and we are extremely grateful to her for her determination to complete the run, and raise as much as she can.

“The money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”

To sponsor Barbar, visit her page on justgiving.com/fundraising/Barbara-Jones22.