4 May 2009

Family sign up to help Diabetes Campaign

A tragic family history of diabetes inspired two Meigle women to sign up for this year’s University of Dundee Monikie 10K Race For Research, which takes place this Sunday.

Elaine Sturrock and her aunt, Linda Fleming, will be among the hundreds of runners and walkers taking part in the event, held in aid of the University’s Diabetes Research Campaign, at Monikie Country Park this Sunday.

Linda’s mother died as a result of her Diabetes 21 years ago, having already had her leg amputated because of the disease. The hereditary nature of diabetes is bore out by the fact that Linda’s grandmother also suffered from Diabetes and lost her sight to the disease.

In addition, Linda’s husband David was diagnosed as suffering from Type 2 Diabetes after he suffered a heart attack last year.

Given the way Diabetes has affected their family, Elaine says the decision to take part in the Monikie event was an easy one to make.

'Whenever I hear anything about diabetes, the first person I think of is my gran, who died when I was a teenager,' she said. 'I’d been thinking about doing some kind of sponsored event for charity for some time, when my aunt called to say she’d read about the Monikie 10K.'

'Because this event was raising money for Diabetes research, which perhaps doesn’t get so much coverage as other diseases, and because of how it’s affected our family, the two of us knew right away this was the one we wanted to do.'

'Diabetes is something that’s close to my heart, and I also worry about the hereditary aspect, and how my children and I might be affected.'

Last year’s inaugural Monikie 10K raised thousands of pounds for DRC, which aims to raise £3.3million towards state-of-the-art research and patient care facilities. Almost 300 participants have so far signed up for this year’s event, and some places remain available for anyone interested in taking part.

Fundraisers of all abilities, including serious racers, fun runners and walkers, are invited to apply. Elaine and Linda have elected to walk the course, and have been taking time to prepare for the event by taking brisk walks three or four times a week. The pair hope to raise hundreds of pounds for the DRC through their endeavours.

'As well as being able to help a worthy cause, it’s a good reason to get out and do some exercise,' Elaine added.

The DRC has already raised more than £2million but there is still work to do to reach the ultimate target, which will enable the University to create a Type 1 diabetes research team of the same standards as the internationally recognised expertise Dundee has in Type 2 diabetes.

Sponsors have generously agreed to provide assistance to race organisers, and several have donated prizes to be awarded to participants who reach fundraising targets. Sponsors include Radio Tay, Angus Council, Institute of Sports and Exercise (University of Dundee), Apex Hotels, The Playwright, The Sweat Shop, The Apple Tree and Dundee University Students Association.

More information about DRC, the race, and how to enter is available by visiting www.dundee.ac.uk/drc. Information about entering the Monikie 10K can be obtained by calling event co-organisers Eventfull Management Limited on 0845 204 2009.

Notes to editors:
Diabetes is now the fastest growing epidemic in the developed world. It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide will suffer from the disease by 2020 and the disease has been recognised by the United Nations as the greatest threat to world health.

It is estimated that the NHS is spending £1m an hour, 10% of its yearly budget, treating diabetes and its complications.

In Tayside there has been a 90% increase in the incidence of diabetes in the last 10 years and the need to develop clinical research facilities across Tayside is urgent. The Diabetes Research Campaign aims to provide the facilities and technology to enable scientists and doctors to work together to develop better and more effective treatments and to devise preventative strategies for the disease.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk