A pharmacy worker from Hitchin is to run the London Marathon to help put an end to diabetes.

Amy Gibbs, 22, is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge for Diabetes UK after seeing the impact the disease has had on people very close to her.

“My good friend was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was only three years old,” she said.

“Also, my beloved great-grandma had Type 2 diabetes and passed away recently. I saw how it affected her everyday life, and the challenges and uncertainty she faced. I hope with the funds that I raise we can be one step closer to a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. It is estimated that there are 4.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK.

If not managed well, both Type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications including lower limb amputation, kidney failure or stroke. There is no known cure.

Working in a pharmacy, Amy sees people having to manage diabetes on a daily basis. She is passionate about raising awareness of the main symptoms of Type 1 diabetes – being tired, losing weight, going to the toilet more often, and being very thirsty.

A qualified fitness instructor, Amy has been training hard in all weathers each morning before work – and not even last week’s snow stopped her.

After completing the Hertfordshire Half Marathon in November and the Baldock Beast last month, she is hoping to finish the London Marathon in under 4½ hours.

I’m very lucky to have the most amazing supportive family and boyfriend,” she said.

“They never fail to support and encourage me, even when they are standing in the cold they always manage to shout the loudest. When I’m out running it is the thought of helping people with the money I have raised, which motivates to get across the finish line.”

The London Marathon is on Sunday, April 22. Amy hopes to raise £2,000 for her charity.

Teresa Strange from Diabetes UK said: “Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers. We are extremely grateful to Amy for her hard work.”

To find out more or support Amy’s fundraising, see justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-gibbs95.