Ross Millar’s personal health challenges have led him to take on the 26.2-mile London Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
Ross, a trainee biomedical scientist at University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “I’ve been type 1 diabetic since I was a baby. I’m running to raise money to help others like myself and my family members, and to prove to myself that I can do it and that diabetes will not hold me back.
“I particularly struggled with low blood sugar when I was younger because I was active and playing football. This can be embarrassing if you need to be substituted.
“I’ve seen the challenges of diabetes and the advancements in technology used to treat it. I have a device that allows me to track my blood glucose levels through my phone, which is much easier than finger pricking. I also wear a pump 24/7, which drip feeds me insulin throughout the day.
“I only had eight weeks’ notice I’d got a place in the marathon on 27 April. To prepare, I’ve been doing between five and 10K during the week and 16 to 34k at weekends. I also do some light weights and gym bike sessions,” added 22-year-old Ross.
“This is my first marathon. Running one was always on my bucket list.”
More information at Ross’s JustGiving page.
Meanwhile, the clinical services director at Kilbryde Hospice is also running the marathon.
Margaret Mary Cowan, who is raising funds for the East Kilbride hospice, said: “This is my third London Marathon – my last attempt was in 2009.
“I run with Calderglen Harriers in East Kilbride, just short distances of around a half-marathon. I’m running three times a week, up to 20 miles so far.”
See Margaret Mary’s marathon page.
