Mat Jesson
My Story
Let me introduce you to my now 10 year old daughter, Isla. Isla is a true inspiration and is the reason I am taking on this huge challenge of running the London Marathon 2024.
At just two years old, our family’s life would change forever, when Isla was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My wife Jo and I were heartbroken and in the days, weeks and months that followed would have to adapt to the daily challenges that Type 1 Diabetes in young children brings. Of course, Jo and I were old enough to adapt and although tough, we got by. Just! For Isla, it was the news that meant that her childhood would not be a ‘normal’ childhood. A period that required multiple daily insulin injections, sleep interruptions to increase her blood sugar levels, trips to hospital when the dreaded Ketones wouldn’t come down. And much, much more.
As Isla has got older and technology has advanced, she takes everything in her stride. A bubbly and at times, cheeky character, Isla tackles the challenges of Type 1 diabetes with a maturity beyond her years. As for Jo and I, I don’t think we’ll ever stop worrying but we’re positive in our outlook as to what the future may bring.
JDRF is an amazing charity and one whose mission it is to one day find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. With your help, I would like to contribute to this mission and if that means taking on this mad challenge of running 26.2 miles for the first (and possibly last) time ever, then I’ll do just that.
Isla has dealt with everything Type 1 Diabetes has thrown at her and continues to do so. It’s now up to me to deal with that 26.2 mile journey of my own. My thoughts as I run and the pain kicks in? I’ll just think of my beautiful daughter and the Type 1 Warrior that she is. If she can put up with a life time condition that is Type 1 Diabetes, then I can put up with running for several hours, slowly, through the streets of London!
I’d be extremely grateful if you could sponsor me in raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as I tackle the London Marathon 2024. Thank you!
Let’s go, Team ISLA!