A stone mason who lives with type 1 diabetes is running two ultra marathons back to back to raise awareness for Diabetes UK and inspire people living with the condition. 

Father-of-two Spencer Hoadly decided to take on the challenge - which involves running 100km in just two days - as a way of thanking the charity for its support. 

Spencer, 43, lives in Kings Langley and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 14.

He said: “I remember being diagnosed at a time when I just wanted to do all the things my mates were doing.  

"I struggled with managing it during my teens and 20s but I now follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly I can’t stress how important adopting this healthy lifestyle is to managing my diabetes. 

"I’m not a serious runner but took on the London Marathon a couple of years ago after joining a running club."

He continued: "As events got cancelled last year I found it hard to motivate myself to go running and I definitely need a challenge or something to work towards. 

"So when I saw the two ultra marathons challenge in the Yorkshire Dales I decided to go for it.” 

Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands and East Regional Head, said: “Spencer is taking on an extremely tough physical feat to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. 

"It’s not only inspiring but the challenge is a great way of showing people living with the condition, especially people newly diagnosed, that regular exercise, healthy eating and careful management is vital to supporting people reach their goals. 

"On behalf of everyone at Diabetes UK I want to say a massive thank you to Spencer and good luck with the training and the challenge itself.” 

People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and about 8 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1.  

No one knows exactly what causes it but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable.  

It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults starting suddenly and getting worse quickly.  

Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.  

It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.  

Spencer is sharing the highs and lows of his training on his YouTube channel. 

For full details of the signs of type 1 diabetes click here.