Olympic aces invite Devon residents to go the extra mile for Diabetes UK
An Olympic mother-and-daughter duo are inviting people from Devon to join a month-long charity challenge for runners of all abilities.
Diabetes UK’s Month of Miles is all about choice, as those taking part can choose when to start and how far to go. They have a month to complete their chosen distance, and all funds raised will go towards helping transform the lives of people living with diabetes across the UK.
Month of Miles has the support of Diabetes UK ambassadors Liz and Eilish McColgan, who have competed at Olympic Games more than 30 years apart. Mum Liz won 10,000m silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before striking gold at the 1991 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Her daughter Eilish, a 5,000m British record holder, has competed for Team GB at the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics, where she finished ninth in the 10,000m final this summer.
Liz McColgan said: “Eilish and I are delighted to support Diabetes UK’s running challenge, Month of Miles. It’s a great way to get moving with a distance of your choice to help people living with diabetes. Millions across the UK know someone with diabetes, as we do as a family, and so why don’t you join us and take on your Month of Miles?”
Eilish McColgan added: “Running is a big part of my life, as it was for my Mum. Whether it’s a passion, or a hobby, Month of Miles is a great way to keep active, get some miles in and help a great cause. Please sign up!”
People taking part in Month of Miles can pick from four distances – eight miles, 13.1 miles, 20 miles or the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. They have a month to complete their chosen distance – and can choose any time to start and go at whatever pace they are comfortable with.
It is free to register and, after signing up, you will receive a downloadable welcome pack featuring advice about preparing for your challenge, fundraising tips, a running schedule, and a sponsorship form.
Phaedra Perry, Regional Head Diabetes UK South West said: “Month of Miles is all about you – you choose when you start and how far you go.
“It’s a month of putting yourself first, but with the heart-warming feeling you’ll get from being part of something bigger. By getting sponsored for every mile you run, you’ll be helping us transform the lives of people affected by diabetes.
“It’s your month, your miles, and your body. And we’re here to support you all the way to the finish line.”
To register for Month of Miles, visit monthofmiles.diabetes.org.uk. If you have any questions about the challenge, email monthofmiles@diabetes.org.uk or call on 0345 123 2399.
