Running "The Hillary" for Diabetes Youth

Hi I'm Hamish Johnstone,

I’ll be running the 80KM Hillary Ultra Trail marathon http://thehillary.co.nz/ on 27 February on behalf of Diabetes Youth Auckland (DYA), a part of Diabetes NZ Auckland Branch. They provide vital support and services aimed at families and the 1000+ young Aucklanders living with diabetes - aged up to 25 years -most of whom have type 1 diabetes.

As you may already know, diabetes is an issue close to my heart…I have worked in the area of diabetes as a Dietitian for about 5 years. I have heard many young persons stories of struggles and difficulties and I have also heard and seen how the services ( camps and activities amongst others) have made a huge positive impact on the lives of those young people and their families.

I have started my fund raising a little late , because I became ill with Giardia and wasn't sure I'd even make the start line, but I'm going to make it. Any donation, big or small can really make a huge difference and any contribution is greatly appreciated.

For all the money raised, here is where it can go to helping the work of Diabetes Youth Auckland;

$90 pays the deposit for a child to go to a diabetes camp

$60 pays for a Starter Kit for a newly diagnosed child and their family, providing crucial materials to help them learn how to manage diabetes

$30 allows a child to attend our sleepover event – often the first experience they have of meeting other people their own age with diabetes

$10 covers the cost of child attending an education day about managing diabetes as a teenager