Essex MP James Duddridge running fourth London Marathon in aid of Diabetes UK
So far he's raised over £900
Last updated 3rd Oct 2022
Around 40,000 runners will take to the streets of London today to complete the marathon and raise money for a good cause.
Among those taking on the 26.2 mile long course is James Duddridge, local MP for Rochford and Southend East, who'll run for the fourth time.
He told us which charity he's fundraising for: "As one of more than 10,000 people living with diabetes in Southend, I'm proud to be running on behalf of Diabetes UK.
"About five years ago I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 3C and I now have to monitor my blood glucose levels and inject insulin daily."
He told us the training has helped him in more ways than one: "I've found that, whilst preparing to run the London Marathon, my exercise routine has become key to helping me manage my weight and diabetes. It's also been great for my mental health."
This will be the MP's fourth time running in the London Marathon: "My previous three runs have helped raise a total of £7669 for good causes including Haven's Hospices, The Homeless Action Resource Project and Southend Samaritans."
So far this year, he's raised over £900, which he tells us he's happy will go to a cause so close to his heart: "Every pound I raise will help support this fantastic cause, and the millions of people living with, and affected by diabetes.
"Whilst helping raise awareness of Type 3C, which is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes due to a lack of knowledge on the topic, I also hope that, one day, funding research will lead us to a cure."