Local woman Sarah Jones is taking on a 10-hour 'Rowathon' challenge for Diabetes Isle of Man this Sunday 14th November, globally recognised as World Diabetes Day.

On 5th November 2011, Sarah's husband Frank was rushed into hospital and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 24 years old.

In the weeks before Frank was diagnosed, he had become incredibly tired, was extremely thirsty all the time and had visibly lost weight. In hindsight, these were all the classic signs of undiagnosed diabetes.

'On the night that Frank was admitted to hospital, I remember the doctor telling him that a normal persons blood glucose levels should be between 4 and 7 but Frank’s were 55. The highest the doctor had ever seen. 

It has been a huge life adjustment but since the day he was diagnosed, Frank has not let it beat him. And although I know it gets him down from time to time, he never complains and just gets on with it even though some days I have seen just how hard it can be.'

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin producing cells. Everyone needs insulin to live and in 2021, we are also celebrating 100 years since the discovery of insulin, which is still the only effective treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and this year, it also marks 10 years of Frank being a Type 1 warrior. To show her support and to try and raise some money for Diabetes Isle of Man, Sarah has decided to do a 10-hour 'Rowathon' challenge on Sunday 14th November 2021.

'I will be on the rowing machine at The Meadow CrossFit gym, and will be attempting to row for 10 hours - an hour for every year that Frank has had to battle Type 1 diabetes - only stopping for short food and water breaks.

My aim is to raise as much money as possible for Diabetes Isle of Man (formerly the Manx Diabetic Group), a charity that aims to ensure that everyone on the island impacted by diabetes receives the best care and treatment of their condition.

So if anyone would like to sponsor me, no amount is too little, I would really appreciate any support'

We are so grateful for your support Sarah, and we wish you all the luck for your challenge on Sunday.

For anyone who would like to donate to Sarah, her JustGiving page is linked here.