A brother and sister from Carrickmore have taken on a fundraising challenge where they raised more than £2,000 for Diabetes UK after their younger sister was diagnosed with the condition.
Leanne (27) and Daniel Fullerton (19) completed the Great North Run, in aid of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland and in particular, the charity’s local support group in Omagh.
The Co Tyrone siblings decided to take on this mighty challenge for their little sister Erin, aged 12, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was only 4 years old.
Leanne said the siblings wanted to show support for Erin while also raising awareness about diabetes.
"We wanted to do something to help raise awareness about this condition but also to celebrate our wee sister who has been so brave in dealing with her diabetes," Leanne said.
"Diabetes is a really challenging condition to live with, it is so hard to feel like you are getting it right and not everyone understands how tough it can be.
"Thankfully for Erin and many others in the Omagh area, there is the Diabetes UK Omagh Support Group and they have been fantastic.
"They provide help and support to everyone, not just those living with the condition but also their families.
"From raising awareness in the local community to keeping young people connected; they provide an amazing service to the local diabetes community.
"To receive the support that we have has been fantastic so thank you to everyone who donated and helped us."
There are nearly 105,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and approximately 8% of those are living with type 1 diabetes. Thanks to the Fullertons’ efforts, their fundraising total currently stands at £2365.
Naomi Breen, Regional Fundraiser for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland said: "We would like to thank Leanne and Daniel for taking on the Great North Run and in doing so, help raise awareness about diabetes.
"They have raised an incredible amount of money so thank you to everyone who kindly donated, your donation will go on to help support the growing diabetes community in Northern Ireland."
