Running for Molly – And for Everyone with Type 1
So… I’ve done something ridiculous.
After five years of enjoying a blissful retirement from running, where my trainers have collected more dust than actual miles, I’ve somehow agreed to run The Great North Run this September. (13 miles for 13 years!)
And by “somehow,” I mean Molly asked me.
Molly – my incredible, resilient, and slightly persuasive daughter – has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 13 years. Thirteen years of finger pricks, injections, highs, lows, beeping monitors, and the constant mental gymnastics that come with keeping blood sugars in check. Thirteen years of watching her face challenges that no child should have to face – and absolutely smashing them.
So when Molly asked me to run 13.1 miles with her to raise money for Diabetes UK, how could I possibly say no?
Of course, saying “yes” was the easy part. Actually running… well, that’s a different story.
I’ve gone for a run three times this year. That’s three more runs than the past five years combined – and let me tell you, it hurt. A lot. After the first one, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to walk again. After the second, I questioned all my life choices. After the third, I accepted that this is going to be painful. Very painful.
But here’s the thing: the discomfort I’ll feel during those 13.1 miles is nothing compared to what Molly faces every single day.
The sleepless nights when her blood sugar drops dangerously low.
The anxiety that creeps in when her levels skyrocket for no reason.
The never-ending calculations before every meal, every snack, every moment of exercise.
The constant, exhausting mental load of living with a condition that never takes a break.
Molly faces all of that with strength and grace – and she’s taking on this run not just for herself, but for everyone living with Type 1.
So, I’m lacing up my trainers (and praying my knees survive) to support her – and to raise money for Diabetes UK, a charity that’s working to improve treatments, fund research, and hopefully, one day, find a cure.
We would be beyond grateful if you could sponsor us. Every pound raised will help make life a little bit easier for Molly and the millions of others living with this condition.
👉 If you’ve ever read about Molly’s journey on my blog – the highs, the lows, the hilarious bits, and the heart-wrenching moments – you’ll know why this matters so much to us.
💙 If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a parent of a child with Type 1, you can read more here by searching for Type 1 posts. This however is the post I always think sums up live with Type 1 as a parent!
https://www.northernmum.com/2016/02/diabetes-just-imagine-for-a-second/
Please – if you can spare a few quid, sponsor us. Even if you can’t, a share or a kind word would mean the world.
Molly’s been fighting this battle for 13 years. Now I’m running alongside her – and with your help, we can make a real difference.
Let’s do this. ❤️
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/jane-pettit
(And if you see me crawling across the finish line… just look away.)